It’s still early, but there is little doubt who the sentimental favorite is this year.

To be sure, everybody is glad that Tiger is playing again, and they cannot wait to see how he fares. And who at Augusta National isn’t rooting for Gary Player every time he hits a shot on what is his farewell tour. But the guy the galleries are really pulling for is Greg Norman.

The 54-year-old got a grand cheer when he stepped to the first tee and striped his drive down the middle. OK, so he isn’t as crazy long as he used to be, but it was a strong start, and so was the iron he put to within eight feet of the first hole. Again, the patrons clapped heartily as he approached the green. And it was clear from the way they were calling out to Norman that they want to will a strong performance out of him, and maybe a chance to pull something out of his hat on Sunday.

Even a missed birdie putt on No. 1, and another short one at No. 2, didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the Shark. He still drew perhaps the biggest and most enthusiastic following of the morning.

If fan support could in any way be factored in scoring, Greg Norman would be running away with things.