THE MASTERS RELATED STORIES The Masters Home Page The Masters Preview Round 1: Vijay Singh sets early pace with 67 Round 1: Up and down round for Tiger Woods Round 1: South Africans push overseas challenge Round 1: Crenshaw rolls back the clock with 71 Round 1: David Howell pleased with opening 71 Round 2: Chad Campbell takes command with 67 Round 2: Duval a puzzle on way to missing cut Round 2: Chris DiMarco amongst those missing cut Round 2: Tiger Woods lurking after shooting 71 Round 2: 22nd straight Masters cut for Couples Round 3: Long Sunday ahead for Masters Round 3: Phil Mickelson leads as third round ends Round 4: Phil Mickelson wins Masters again Round 4: Tiger Woods fails in Sunday charge Round 4: Missed putts cost Fred Couples Round 4: Two driver strategy pays off for Phil Mickelson Round 4: Former champions fall short at Augusta Round 4: Tim Clark gains best ever Major finish Masters Clubhouse Scores The Masters Field Course Guide: Augusta National Hootie Johnson defends Masters changes Longer Augusta proving to be tricky Masters old guard making way Europeans looking to break Major drought Tiger Woods favourite for fifth Masters win Chris DiMarco looking to move up a step Phil Mickelson to carry two drivers Ben Crenshaw relishes Masters dinner Players get first view of longer Augusta In form Phil Mickelson in confident mood Weather set fair for Augusta Leading contenders for 2006 Masters Jaidee/Sabbatini receive Masters invites Stephen Ames confirms Masters entry Swedish pair receive Masters invitations Woods talks about Augusta and The Masters Mixed feelings about a longer Augusta 2006 PGA Tour Schedule GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Greg Norman struggles at Troon Ochoa leads with flawless 65 Mike Weir amongst leaders Four share lead in Russia Padraig Harrington hungry for more success Michelle Wie to play on PGA Tour again GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Golf Breaks to Portugal & Ireland Half Price Golf Vouchers InstructaCard - your portable pro! The Father & Son Golf Ch'ship Golf Insurance

Ben Crenshaw rolls back the clock with 71

Ben Crenshaw provided the U.S. Masters with an unexpected blast from the past on Thursday, carding a one-under 71 to finish among the first-round leaders.

With the Augusta National stretched to 7,445 yards, the second longest course in major championship history, veterans like the 54-year-old American were expected to wilt.

Arnold Palmer played his final Masters in 2004 followed by Jack Nicklaus last year, leaving Crenshaw to become the standard bearer for golf's senior citizens at Augusta.

But the popular Crenshaw, who has not made the cut here since 1997, realises he can turn back the clock only so far.

"I doubt it," the twice former champion told reporters when asked if he thought a 54-year-old could win.

"I wish I could say it was different but it's doubtful. I've had my time here."

Crenshaw won the coveted green jacket for the first time in 1984 before producing an emotional victory 11 years later when he birdied 16 and 17 to beat Davis Love III by one stroke.

He dedicated that win to his mentor Harvey Penick, who had died a week earlier.

For many players, including holder Tiger Woods who shot an opening even-par 72, it came as no shock to see Crenshaw's name back among the contenders.

"It you're going to see it, it's going to be from a guy that understands how to play golf, which he does of course," said Woods who is bidding for a fifth green jacket.

"He doesn't hit the ball overly long any more but he's one of the greatest players who ever lived.

"I think experience helps on this golf course."

Crenshaw, however, was shocked to be so close to leader Vijay Singh (67).

"I felt I had a few miracles happen out there," said Crenshaw. "I have to chip and putt here, that's the only way I can get around.

"You have to hit a long ball here. It's definitely a young man's course.

"But that's where we are with the game. Not only here at Augusta but everywhere else, we're lengthening courses all over the globe.

"There's no other golf course like this anywhere. Never has been."