Masters 2012: Last-Second News, Updates for Day 1 at Augusta

The Masters, the most prestigious tournament in golf, is underway at Augusta National Golf Club with first-round action beginning early Thursday morning.

There's no shortage of storylines heading into the event, and many of them surround Tiger Woods, who is trying to win his fifth green jacket and his first since 2005.

Let's look at some of the latest news for the Masters as the first round commences and the fun begins.

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player start the Master in style

Palmer drove his first tee shot on Thursday morning straight down the middle of the fairway, just like he had done so many times in his brilliant career. The golfing legend is competing in his first Masters since 2004 this year, and he still draws an unbelievable crowd.

Player and the greatest golfer ever, Jack Nicklaus, followed Palmer on the first tee and gave fans an amazing moment they won't ever forget.

Having legends like these guys kick off the tournament is a fantastic idea that more events should follow.

Weather shouldn't be a major issue

There is a chance of rain, and maybe even some lightning through Thursday and Friday's first two rounds, but the weather in Augusta for the weekend looks fantastic.

Here is the Accuweather five-day forecast for Augusta, Ga.

There's nothing worse than rain and bad weather ruining the Masters, but it doesn't seem like weather will be a real issue this year.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy take center stage

Golf's two biggest stars are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and both will be center stage at Augusta this year. McIlroy appears to be the next great golfer, but Woods is still a threat to win majors.

“He creates excitement that no one else in the game can,” McIlroy said of Woods via the Columbus Dispatch. “A lot of people want to see him make history, and it looks like he’s back on track to maybe going and doing that.”

McIlroy will be under a lot pressure to perform better than Woods at Augusta, and it will be a real challenge for him. Everyone is expecting him to take over the sport in the near future, but to do that, he must dethrone Tiger as king of the sport.

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