The three-times Masters champion, wearing a black sweater and tan hat, swalted his drive off the first tee, as did past winners Gene Sarazen, 96, and Byron Nelson, 86, to applause from 4,000 spectators.

``We're very fortunate that he kicked some windows out at the hospital,'' Augusta National Golf Club chairman Jack Stephens said. ``He can still kick the ceiling.''

`Slammin Sam' became fatigued on Tuesday and was taken to the hospital instead of the champions dinner. Everyone at the dinner signed a menu that was presented to Snead.

``They thought I had a slight stroke, but I'm all right. I feel good,'' Snead said.

Severe thunderstorms delayed the start by 90 minutes as officials took extra time to prepare for the year's first major golf championship, which began under bright but cloudy skies.