SANDY LYLE

As tradition dictates, there is now very bad news to report about Canadian golfers Mike Weir and Mackenzie Hughes.

The hardest part of Sergio Garcia's day was before he even got to Royal St. George's.

The opening round of the British Open saw 47 players break par at Royal St. George's.

Jack Nicklaus waves after hitting a ceremonial first ball before the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

“I was pleased it was dark, because you didn’t see where my ball went,” Nicklaus told reporters afterward. No fans are allowed at this year’s event except for the players’ significant others and coaches, along with Augusta National members. Normally a rite of spring, the Masters has a different look and feel this year, given the move to November. A drone TV camera, allowed for the first time this year, also seemed out of place at the usually staid golf club. The COVID-19 protocols prevented Nicklaus from bringing one of his grandchildren to caddie for him, like he usually does.

Also, it’s the first bogey-free round for Woods in a major since the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine. The 43-year-old Englishman is leading the Masters after shooting a 7-under 65 in the opening round. But he turned things around in his return to Augusta National, which was delayed for seven months by the coronavirus pandemic. ___2:05 p.m.Tiger Woods is off to a strong start in defense of his Masters championship. He has six top-10 finishes at Augusta National, including a second-place finish in 2010 and a tie for second in 2016.