Arnold Palmer acted as honorary starter for The Masters again today - but after he had hit one shot and retired to the Augusta National clubhouse, fog prevented the tournament from getting underway.

Ben Curtis and Shaun Micheel, winners of The Open and US PGA respectively in 2003, were the first two players called to the tee and were due to start their first rounds at 8am local time, but officials informed them there would be a delay and they went back to the practice putting green.

Ian Poulter was the first of the 20-strong European contingent in the draw. He was grouped with Mark O'Meara, Masters and Open champion 10 years ago, and American amateur Trip Kuehne at 8.22am, but was among those hanging around for the foggy conditions to improve.

Strongly back favourite Tiger Woods had been due to begin his bid for a fifth green jacket at 10.45am local time, just behind Padraig Harrington and just ahead of Justin Rose.

Palmer told reporters that he had hit his drive "out of sight" and with visibility around 200 yards at the time he was not exaggerating.

It proved to be a one-hour delay, which meant it was touch-and-go whether the last group - which included Lee Westwood - would finish before darkness.