One for the ages?

The British Open teed off today minus the man, who is back home in Orlando recovering from knee surgery.

It's safe to say Tiger Woods is missed, but the old fellows who run The Royal and Ancient, which stages THE CHAMPIONSHIP, should consider themselves lucky. So, too, should TNT television executives.

Why?

Because somebody turned back the clock.

Look, as I write this, Greg Norman is tied for second after shooting an opening round of even par 70, one stroke behind a trio of players that includes Rocco Mediate, who Woods out-dueled on one leg at last month's U.S. Open.

Greg Norman !?!?!

He's 53, which puts him in my group, also known as Generation Dirt (as in old as ...)

It's a little early for this talk, but remember Jack Nicklaus winning his last Masters in 1986 at age 46? Or when he made another run at the Masters at age 58 in 1998, only to finish sixth?

Fresh off the honeymoon with new bride Chrissy Evert, here's hoping Norman doesn't tire and manages to stay in contention. It would make this major much more memorable than "the one they played without Tiger."

"I've got to keep my expectations low. I haven't played a lot of golf," Norman told TNT. "But it's a lot like riding a bike. But sometimes getting back on the bike you get a little wobbly."