Golf's Big Three: Palmer, Nicklaus, Player start the Masters, share half-century of stories

Jack Nicklaus hits on the first tee for the honorary tee off before the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 9, 2015, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

Arnold Palmer puts his ball on a tee before teeing off for the honorary tee off before the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 9, 2015, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

They shared the lead going into the weekend 50 years ago at Augusta National.

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were together again Thursday morning in another familiar role. Each hit a drive off the first tee to start the Masters. And then golf's "Big Three" shared memories and jokes about their games and friendship.

They combined to win the Masters 13 times — they were the only winners from 1960 through 1966. It was in 1965 that they were tied at 6-under 138 after two rounds. Nicklaus jokingly said he only remembered the third round. That's when he matched the Masters record with a 64 and wound up winning by nine shots.

Palmer hit the tee shot even on Thursday though he is recovering from a dislocated shoulder.