Nicklaus, Player tee off Masters; Palmer watches

playWith Arnold Palmer in attendance, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus tee off to start the 2016 Masters. (2:10)AUGUSTA, Ga. -- With Arnold Palmer a spectator on the first tee, Jack Nicklaus teed off with a tear in his eye and Gary Player took great glee in knocking his drive past the Golden Bear as they kicked off the Masters on Thursday morning.

The golf legends seemed to enjoy their ceremonial duties, although there was a tinge of sadness as Palmer, 86, was unable to join them in hitting a tee shot to get the 80th Masters started.

"I think that everybody was happy to see Arnold out on the tee," Nicklaus said afterward. "I think Arnold was happy to be on the tee. I think he would have…