Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player get Masters started

The waiting was finally over when golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit the ceremonial opening tee shots at the Masters on Thursday.

All eyes will be on Jordan Spieth when the defending champion starts his first round at Augusta later in the day, but it was Nicklaus and Player who got the first major of the year underway.

The legendary Arnold Palmer opted against performing the traditional opening tee shots due to a shoulder injury, but watched on along with a huge crowd as fellow honorary starters Nicklaus and Player performed their duties.

Spieth, who broke his driver on the eve of the tournament, will tee off at 9.48am local time along with Paul Casey and Bryson DeChambeau as he attempts to keep the green jacket he was presented with 12 months ago.

World number one Jason Day starts his quest to win a first Masters title at 1.06pm in a group which also includes Matt Kuchar and Ernie Els.

Rory McIlroy, aiming to complete a career Grand Slam of majors this week, is in the final group with Bill Haas and Martin Kaymer at 2.01pm.