AUGUSTA, Georgia - After largely managing to keep a lid on any lingering friction from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf drama during Masters week, bitterness and concern surfaced on Thursday following the ceremonial opening tee shots.

Although both sides have struck a conciliatory tone as officials work to hammer out an agreement to unify the sport, golfing greats Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson were less diplomatic after launching the year's first major.