The Masters has some of the best traditions in golf. The winner receives a green jacket from last year’s victor. The reigning U.S. Amateur champion is always paired with the defending champion. Players who make eagles in the tournament receive crystal goblets and vases. The par-three tournament is a tradition all its own. Finally, there is the tradition of past champions and greats serving as honorary starters and hitting the ceremonial first drive to open the tournament on Thursday morning.
This week, Arnold Palmer agreed to be the tournament’s honorary starter. At 77, Palmer’s days of competitive golf are long gone. But the four-time winner of the Masters is much beloved by Augusta National’s patrons, who were out in force to see him hit a gentle draw down the left side of the first fairway.
It was heartwarming to see Palmer swinging a club at the Masters but it must have bittersweet for the man whose hard charging rounds at Augusta helped increase the popularity of the game. But there he was, basking in the adulation of his fans and golf fans everywhere. Here’s hoping it was not a one-time event.
Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Bunky Henry.
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About Me
- Mr. Fairway
- Mr. Fairway’s love affair with the game of golf began in junior high. He once made his living as a journalist covering high school sports, cops and robbers and politics. Today, Mr. Fairway is a public relations consultant and a widely-published freelance golf writer. His current USGA handicap index is 9.3 and he averages 50-plus rounds a year.