Charley Hoffman Grabs Autographs and Then He Grabs Early First Round Lead at the Masters

Not only did he shoot a 5-under 67 to grab the early lead Thursday, he managed to snag a couple of valuable autographs.

While Hoffman was warming up to play in the first group of the tournament, he spotted Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer hitting balls on the range. Those two, of course, strike the ceremonial opening tee shots along with Gary Player.

“That was pretty cool,” Hoffman said. “I was sort of scared of them. ‘Should I ask them? Should I not ask them?'”

He mustered up the courage and got them to sign a couple of flags, which Hoffman plans to auction off to benefit some of his favorite charities.

“My mind was not on golf early on,” he said. “I was thinking of those guys.”

Maybe that helped Hoffman relax. Then he birdied the second and third holes, which calmed his nerves even more.

“I was ready to go,” Hoffman said.