For stars, it's the late show

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- One thing's for sure at the Masters, if you want to see the big names play all 18, you best be prepared to hang in so long that you could be asked to shut off the lights.

Committed to providing ESPN with marquee names on its broadcast from 4-7 p.m., the back end of the tee sheet was loaded in yesterday's opening round. Adam Scott and Retief Goosen went off at 2:19, Vijay Singh was right behind with Steve Stricker and Stewart Cink, while the Phil Mickelson-Andres Romero-K.J. Choi trio came next. Ernie Els and Jim Furyk were in the penultimate group, which pushed off 2:52, and coming in last were Aaron Baddley, Camilo Villegas, and Lee Westwood.

The fact Goosen, Mickelson, Furyk, and Westwood were all in red numbers and in position to finish strong made for good theater to those who stayed around after 7 p.m., but it could have been viewed as disconcerting if you're wondering if was fair to have them navigate the 17th and 18th holes in less-than-the-brightest-conditions.

"I've had some late finishes," said Westwood. "Later than this on the clock. But not as dark as this, I think."

Postioned at 4-under and tied for the lead, the Englishman had a three-putt bogey at the 17th to fall into a tie for third, but he refused to blame the falling light. "It took me by surprise, that [first] putt." Then he missed a short one for par, too.

Furyk had no complaints, either. Most likely, he knew that an early-morning fog had required a one-hour delay, so if you take that away, things would have been fine. But the fact still remains, sending out such a stacked lineup late in the day could be questioned. Today, the final three pairings will incude Mike Weir, Padraig Harrington, Tiger Woods, Angel Cabrera, Jeev Singh, co-leader Justin Rose, and Henrik Stenson.

Meanwhile, the amateurs and former champs who have no chance at contending get good times both times.

Strange stuff.