Arnold Palmer joins the Tiger Woods baiting just hours before shamed star's return to golf

Arnold Palmer got The Masters under way today and then had a dig at Tiger Woods as the world No1 prepared to make his hotly anticipated comeback.

At 6.42pm the disgraced star will tee off in a tournament for the first time since revelations emerged five months ago that he cheated on his wife, Elin, with a string of women.

Last night, Augusta National chairman Billy Payne launched a fierce attack on the 14-time Major champion and said: "Our hero did not live up to his expectations of the role model we saw for our children."

After fulfiling their roles as honorary starters, Palmer and Jack Nicklaus were asked if they agreed with Payne. Nicklaus insisted he had not read what was said but Palmer replied: "I have no real comment except that I agree."

In introducing the two greats to the first tee crowd, Payne could not resist having another go at Woods, even if he did not mention the shamed star by name.

Referring to four-time Augusta winner Palmer, Payne said: "A great champion, an even better person..."

Of Nicklaus, a record 18time Major victor, he said: "For many years Jack dominated the world of golf like never before or since..."

Woods's return is expected to attract a record TV audience for the sport.

William Sutton, associate director of the University of Central Florida's sports business program, said: "The ratings will be astronomically high for the whole Masters. This is Elvis, Michael Jackson and Babe Ruth all rolled into one."

American Brian Gay set the early pace as a couple of birdies saw him on two under after five holes.

Wales' Ian Woosnam had a nightmare as he was five over at the same stage with a double bogey on the last of those holes.