SportsLine wire reports

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Sergio Garcia of Spain cleverly kept quiet about possible plans to turn professional after the Masters.

"I can't tell you for sure," Garcia smiled. "I have to speak with my father, who is caddying for me this week, and my family after the tournament is over. I'm just going step by step. We will see."

Garcia has been getting advice from Seve Ballesteros, whom Garcia calls "like a second dad to me. He takes care of me and helps me out a lot."

Garcia said he hopes to finish in the top 18. The top 16 finishers qualify for a return trip to the Masters in 2000.

"Top 18 is my goal," he said. "It's possible to win. But I would have to have the week of my life and do everything right. This is a great course and the greens are very fast. You have some almost impossible putts."

Play it again Sam

Sam Snead, 86, winner of three Masters; Byron Nelson, 87, winner of two Masters; and Gene Sarazen, winner of one Masters, will be honorary starters for tournament play Thursday.

Snead, who played in 44 Masters, has been an honorary starter since 1984.

Nelson, who played at Augusta 29 times, has been an honorary starter since 1981.

Sarazen, 97, played in 34 Masters and has been honorary starter since 1981.

All three will hit drives down the first fairway then retire to the clubhouse.

Slow and easy

Masters competition committee chairman Will Nicholson admits play could be slower this year during the first 36 holes because the tournament will be played in threesomes instead of twosomes until the weekend.

"We had a par time of 4:38 last year, and I think a substantial portion of the field could be through in about 4:40 this year," he said. "There could be a few five-hour rounds late in the day from the last pairings."

The Masters was last played in threesomes in 1962.

Hot-hand Huston

Beware John Huston, who may be the hottest player in the Masters practice rounds.

Huston led the Masters after the first round in 1997 when he holed out a 5-iron for eagle. On Tuesday, he holed another shot from the fairway.

In the final practice round Wednesday, Huston was 6 under over the last six holes to help him and Phil Mickelson beat David Duval and John Daly.

One observer had Huston at 62 for 18 holes. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service Copyright 1999, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved