Last go round for Arnie?

[boots]

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Arnold Palmer will tee it up in the Masters again, but only for one ceremonial swing.
The four-time Masters champion, who played for the 50th and final time three years ago, will hit the opening tee shot Thursday and become the seventh honorary starter in tournament history.
“The time has come,” Palmer said Tuesday, wearing his member’s green jacket.
Palmer was cool to the idea of being an honorary starter when he stopped playing the Masters in 2004, but dropped hints last month at Bay Hill that he would seriously consider it under new chairman Billy Payne.
Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod were the first honorary starters in 1963. Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen started doing it in 1981, with Ken Venturi filling in for Nelson for one year in 1983. Sam Snead joined Nelson and Sarazen in 1984.
Snead in 2002 was the last honorary starter; he died a month later.
So what happens if Palmer rips one down the middle? Would he be tempted to keep going?
Palmer grinned.
“I’m not too smart,” he said. “But I’m not stupid. I think I’ll just let it go, wherever it goes.”

 

[imjustagirl2]

Last go round how?

He stopped playing the tournament in 2004. This is his first stint as honorary starter.

What are you talking about?

 

[JackyJackBN]

Ijag calls shotgun.

 

[slappy4428]

Deep_Bootsground?

 

[boots]

Damn, you don't get it do ya?
Snead in 2002 was the last honorary starter; he died a month later.

 

[imjustagirl2]

Damn, you don't get it do ya?
Snead in 2002 was the last honorary starter; he died a month later.

So one honorary starter dies, four days shy of 90, and you think every subsequent one will?

Genius, you are.

 

[JackyJackBN]

: You're right in my case. I didn't get it. And now that I do, I'm not fond of it. Arnie gave me the best interview I ever had while he was grinding away on a putter. I'd like to think he has a few years left.

 

[doubledown68]

Arnie will be the last one for a while. I'll eat a sand wedge (even an open-faced one) if Nicklaus ever decides to do that.

 

[JackyJackBN]

What about Player? He's a sucker for ceremony, likes being in the public eye, and will be hitting it as long as he can stand. Only problem is, he sees himself as too young for that role at present.

Man, I miss Sarazen in those knickers...

 

[doubledown68]

What about Player? He's a sucker for ceremony, likes being in the public eye, and will be hitting it as long as he can stand. Only problem is, he sees himself as too young for that role at present.

Man, I miss Sarazen in those knickers...

I bet the poor shlub standing 50 yards down and to the right of Sarazen didn't miss that weak tee shot in his teeth.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Arnie will outlive all of us by 30 years and still have a great tan.

 

[BitterYoungMatador2]

Hootie sending Arnie a letter letting him no that his presence would no longer be welcome in the tournament in 2002 wasn't exactly the best way to talk him into being a ceremonial starter. Ultimately I'd loveto see him, Nicklaus and Player, but I think the latter to have too much pride.

 

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

What about Player? He's a sucker for ceremony, likes being in the public eye, and will be hitting it as long as he can stand. Only problem is, he sees himself as too young for that role at present.

Man, I miss Sarazen in those knickers...

I bet the poor shlub standing 50 yards down and to the right of Sarazen didn't miss that weak tee shot in his teeth.

Are you sure you're not thinking of Sam Snead? It was the slammer who conked a fan, -- excuse me, Patron -- during a ceremonial start in 2002.


Is there anyone remotely associated with golf who really believed Arnie would stay away from Augusta? While he should have quit playing at Augusta years ago, he will be a welcome starter.

 

[Ace]

Hootie sending Arnie a letter letting him no that his presence would no longer be welcome in the tournament in 2002 wasn't exactly the best way to talk him into being a ceremonial starter. Ultimately I'd loveto see him, Nicklaus and Player, but I think the latter to have too much pride.

Arnie should drive it right into Hootie's breadbasket.

 

[TwoGloves]

Gary Player is a tool.

 

[JackyJackBN]

Gary Player is a tool.

When my mother was in the first stages of breast cancer, Gary Player treated her like a queen. Which she wasn't. I'm not knocking anyone else's assessment of Player, but despite his ego he is a good guy at heart. A tough little ******* too.

And there isn't another one.

[Don't want to kick this thread back to the top, but an observation. When someone makes an empassioned personal statement like mine, it often kills the thread; seems no one wants to contradict something so personal. It wasn't my intent to squelch those who don't care for Player. There always have been plenty of people like that, both golfers and journalists.]