LUKE Donald was leading the European charge as the 69th Masters championship burst into life after a five-and-a-half-hour rain delay at Augusta National.

The High Wycombe ace was on three under par after the first day, just one shot off the lead held by Chris DiMarco.

Those watching on the ninth saw Nick Faldo quit with a back injury when standing four-over. But the fans surrounding the short 16th witnessed something that has never been seen on any hole in the history of the tournament - a 14.

That was by 1970 champion Billy Casper, who returning to the event at the age of 73 dumped five balls into the lake before finally making it over and then three-putting.

Casper beat by one the 13s of Tom Weiskopf at the 12th in 1980 and Tommy Nakajima at the 13th in 1978 - and beat by three the previous worst on the 16th by Herman Barron 55 years ago.

It was one of four unwanted records Casper set or equalled. His back nine of 57 - which came first because the delayed start led to the 93-strong field being sent off from the first and 10th tees - was the worst by eight. His round of 106 was the worst by 11 and his front nine 49 matched the worst-ever.

Top south coast golfer Gary Emerson grabbed a share of the lead in the first round of the Madiera Island Open yesterday.

The former Salisbury professional, seventh in last week's Portuguese Open, rattled in an eagle and six birdies for a score of 66. Late on Emerson slipped into a tie for second place, one shot behind Challenge Tour player Matthew Morris.

Richard Bland fired a one under 71 to squeeze into the top 35 but Southampton neighbour Matt Blackey fell back to one under after opening with three birdies.