Brush with Masters legends sends Charley Hoffman to first-round 67

 

AUGUSTA, Ga. – At daybreak Thursday on the Augusta National practice range, Charley Hoffman couldn't help but acknowledge the moment.

 

As he prepared for his 7:45 a.m. EDT tee time at the Masters, he found himself flanked by a notable trio: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, loosening up for their ceremonial first tee shots.

 

So Hoffman made his boldest approach – a request to Nicklaus and Palmer for autographs and an exchange that put him at ease.

 

"My mind wasn't really on golf," he said.

 

That wasn't the 38-year-old's only pinch-me moment Thursday. He followed the exchange with Nicklaus and Palmer with a 5-under 67 that established him as the early leader until Jordan Spieth caught fire in the afternoon.

 

Hoffman played the final four holes in 4 under and will start Round 2 in a four-way tie for second.

 

The autographs he procured, he said, will be auctioned off at an event for his foundation.

 

As for whether Hoffman, playing in his second Masters after finishing tied for 27th four years ago, will be able to overcome a lack of Augusta seasoning to remain in contention, he offered a shrug.

 

"I'm an experienced TV-watcher of the Masters," he said.

 

Another solid effort Friday and Hoffman will have a preferred vantage point for the weekend.

 

This article was written by Dan Wiederer and Teddy Greenstein from Chicago Tribune and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.