By Dave Cordero, World Golf Hall of Fame
While the pain of losing World Golf Hall of Fame Member and global golf icon Arnold Palmer continues to reverberate throughout the golf world, the arrival of Masters week will bring a heightened sense of emotion to golf fans accustomed to seeing The King in his domain every April.
Mr. Palmer may have played in his 50th and final Masters tournament in 2004, but his popularity at Augusta National in the late stages of his life was just as prominent as when he was inside the ropes as a player. He was revered by patrons, media and golfers of all generations.
One of the highlights of Masters week over the last decade was Mr. Palmer’s annual Thursday morning pilgrimage to the first tee box before a crowd of patrons where he would christen Augusta National’s first fairway with a ceremonial tee shot – often a gentle fade down the middle.
This year would have been Palmer’s 11th as an Honorary Starter.
The tradition of having Honorary Starters at the Masters began in 1963 when World Golf Hall of Fame Member Jock Hutchison joined 1908 U.S. Open Champion Fred McLeod to begin the tournament.
Hutchison continued in the post until his death in 1973, and McLeod carried on until 1976 when the tradition was suspended.
In 1981, the tradition was resurrected with World Golf Hall of Fame Members Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen, who were eventually joined by fellow Hall of Fame Member Sam Snead in 1984. Sarazen held this role until 1999 and Nelson continued until 2001. Snead would finish in 2002.
Looking for a way to incorporate one of the game’s greatest figures, the Masters Tournament Committee asked Palmer to step in and initiate the tradition once again a mere 10 years ago. Palmer was joined by his dear friend, Jack Nicklaus in 2010, followed by Gary Player in 2012.
The “Big Three” were together again.
While Nicklaus and Player will continue as Honorary Starters for the 2017 Masters, the hearts of many will be heavy with the noticeable absence of Mr. Palmer come April 6th.
To quote Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National, “Arnold’s presence at Augusta National will be sorely missed, but his impact on the Masters remains immeasurable – and it will never wane.”
