The Masters got started beneath whispy white clouds and a bright blue spring sky Thursday when Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson once again struck the ceremonial tee shots down the first fairway at Augusta National.Well, mostly down the first fairway.After the 90-year-old Player hit his shot down the middle, and celebrated with a big leg kick, the 86-year-old Nicklaus stepped up. His son, Jackie, placed his ball on the tee, and the Golden Bear offered a tongue-in-cheek warning to the patrons lining the tee box Oh, boy, watch out, Nicklaus said, and I don't mean that facetiously and proceeded to hit a low hook right at them.I said, Spread out on both sides because I dont want to kill anybody,' he relayed afterward. If it'd been a little closer I might have.The ball cleared the heads of the patrons down the left side by a couple of feet.Last up was the 76-year-old Watson, who used the tee Nicklaus had left stuck in the ground. May I use your tee, Watson asked? It's why I left it, the six-time Masters champion replied, and Watson proceeded to strike his drive right down the middle.With that, the 90th edition of the Masters was underway.The honorary starter has been a tradition at Augusta National since 1963, when Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod hit their opening shots of the tournament. The idea had come to club founder Bobby Jones years earlier, and over time, it has become a treasured part of the Masters mystique, with 11 dignitaries and past champions having served in the role.Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead were the longest-serving, performing the duty throughout most of the 1980s and '90s, while Arnold Palmer was joined by Nicklaus and Player for many years. When the King died in 2016, it left just Nicklaus and Player in a twosome, so Watson was asked to join them, and the trio continues to this day.When I first played the Masters as an amateur in 1970, I teed off early in the morning, playing with Doug Ford. I went to the honorary starters, and it was very special, Watson said. I remember seeing Gene Sarazen tee off. Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack and Gary. It's something very special. I thought it was just part of the aura of the tournament, and I wanted to witness it.How much longer Player, Nicklaus and Watson take part is a big question surrounding the Masters these days.So is who might take on the role next.I was a little worried. I had carpal tunnel surgery about five, six weeks ago, and I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club and hurt somebody," Nicklaus said. Im fortunate that I got it over somebodys head. I didnt hit it very well, but I got it over their heads and didnt hurt anybody. As long as I can still hit the golf ball.Nicklaus said he doesn't really play anymore. He did once all of last year, and once more this past February.But its such a nice ceremony, and its a real honor to be invited, he said. I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody.___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Oxford United's plans to build a new stadium have sparked a council row, with campaigners launching legal action to block the development.Friends of Stratfield Brake has submitted a judicial review claim to the High Court against Cherwell District Council, seeking to overturn the planning permission granted for the 16,000-seat venue.The Championship club's planned relocation to a site known as the Triangle, situated near Kidlington, now faces potential delays as campaigners argue the council's approval process was fundamentally flawed.The legal action, brought with representation from the law firm Leigh Day, aims to convince a judge that the planning decision should be quashed in its entirety.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe proposed development extends beyond the stadium itself.Plans for a hotel, restaurant and conference centre have been proposed at the new location.Oxford United would move from its existing ground to the Triangle site under the approved plans.The comprehensive scheme represents a significant investment in club facilities, combining matchday operations with commercial ventures to generate revenue throughout the week.However, the judicial review threatens to derail these ambitions, with campaigners insisting that fundamental questions about the development's impact remain unanswered by local planning authorities.Friends of Stratfield Brake contends that the council did not adequately consider guidance from Natural England on the environmental consequences for the adjacent woodland.The statutory body had advised taking a precautionary approach, given uncertainty over whether the woodland qualifies as ancient.Transport arrangements on matchdays form the second pillar of the legal challenge, with campaigners disputing the council's assumptions about road closures.LATEST SPORT NEWS:Golf legend slams PGA Tour for broken promise to ban LIV defectors for lifeOfficer skivers invited to work from cricket ground as decision explainedLord's 'woke' row erupts as members complain about Syrian and Palestinian refugee artwork exhibitionThe group maintains there is insufficient evidence to support claims that traffic management measures can be implemented and dismantled swiftly enough to minimise disruption.These twin concerns over ecological protection and transport logistics underpin the judicial review, with campaigners arguing neither issue received proper scrutiny during the planning process.A spokesman for the group said: "We have engaged with the council throughout this process and made our concerns clear at every stage, including through formal legal correspondence."Unfortunately, those concerns have not been addressed, leaving us with no option but to bring this judicial review. We believe the decision is flawed and that the impacts of this development on the adjacent woodland and transport have not been properly considered."Ricardo Gama, a partner at Leigh Day, said: "Our clients felt they had no choice but to file court proceedings because the council has failed to address their concerns over the impact which the stadium development would have on an ecologically important woodland and on local traffic."Oxford United are currently battling to avoid relegation from the Championship.They sit in 23rd but are only one point away from safety as the season draws to an end.A spokesman for Cherwell District Council said: "The council is confident in its decision and in the event of any judicial review will robustly defend its position."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

The British perfume designer and Zara are being sued by Este Lauder over a collaboration.

The baseball season is in full swing at Sahlen Field and the fun is just getting started. The Bisons today announced their second wave of promotional ... - IL Buffalo Bisons

Dans les dernires semaines de sa carrire de joueur, Dante pourrait rapidement rebondir cet t. Le dfenseur de l'OGC Nice est dj annonc sur le banc de la rserve du Bayern Munich par le mdia allemand TZ.

Viliame Kikau breezes past Penrith's right-edge defence to break the deadlock.

Brazils Laura Cardoso made history by taking a record nine wickets (9/4) in a T20I against Lesotho, the best-ever figures in the format. The 21-year-old bowler surpassed Sonam Yeshey and Rohmalia Rohmalia. Brazil scored 202 before bowling Lesotho out for 13, sealing a massive 189-run win with her unforgettable spell.

Watch the Frontier Curling Club and the Shield Curling Club go head-to-head in Rock League action from the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto.

out a social media monitoring programme. The International Olympic Committee ran one in more than

3BHK Flats in Whitefield – A Complete Guide for Homebuyers Whitefield has emerged as one of the most sought-after residential hubs in Bangalore, especially for those looking to invest in spacious 3BHK flats. Known for its excellent infrastructure, proximity to IT parks, and vibrant lifestyle, Whitefield offers the perfect balance between work and comfort. A 3BHK flat in Whitefield...