The atmosphere was electric as Nicklaus birdied the first three holes .
Eventually Nicklaus settled for a 1 - over-par 72 , while Palmer , after an early double bogey , was one stroke better , two behind Littler 's pace .
The atmosphere was electric as Nicklaus birdied the first three holes , but eventually he settled for a 1 - over-par 72 , while Palmer , after an early double bogey , was one stroke better , two behind Littler 's pace .