Bradley counters bad start with a 71

"I think everybody is a little nervous. I am a major champion, but it's my first Masters," he said. "It was a really fun atmosphere out there. It was everything I expected."

He had poise and patience, going the next 16 holes without a bogey, and finishing 1-under 71, in solid position. His father Mark, a club pro in Jackson, Wyoming, said, "I noticed that he was very comfortable. If he's standing on turf, in a pair of golf shoes, he is where he's supposed to be. He's in his element, whether it's Augusta or anyplace else."

Randy Lewis, a 54-year-old financial adviser from Alma, Michigan, said he had his "all-time favorite 81." The U.S. Mid-Amateur champion made his Masters debut with a smile that he said will last even longer than all the Masters memorabilia he his bought, which is saying something. "I spent well over $1700," he said. "I'm going to have enough gear to last me 10 years."

Player recalled having been a young Masters participant and watching Jock Hutchison as honorary starter. Nicklaus added his memory of having witnessed the tradition. "Mine was a long time ago," he said. "I saw Arnold Palmer hit one."