AUGUSTA, Ga. -- As the sun peeked over the tall Georgia pines on Thursday morning, Lee Elder joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as honorary starters on the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club for the 85th edition of the Masters.
Elder, 86, was driven to the No. 1 tee in a cart. Using a cane to walk and an oxygen tank to help him breathe, Elder didn't hit a ceremonial tee shot like the former champions.
It didn't matter.
"I certainly want to say thank you so very much for this great opportunity," Elder said during a news conference shortly after.