Arnold Palmer Will Not Tee Off During Masters Opening Ceremony
Arnold Palmer is a God among men. He was the first household name in golf, the first to pioneer the sport for the everyday man, and the first to suck down iced tea mixed with lemonade, which he then pissed out in the form of excellence. His farts are louder than dinner gongs. His erections firmer than a teenager’s. They don’t call him “The King” for nothing.
But as Lenny’s better half, Karl Karlson, taught us the other week in response to Kobe, Jeter, and Peyton throwing in the towel, growing up is watching your idols step away. Now, we bid a final farewell to another great (for the second time).
Though Palmer has been retired for a while, he still graced the links with his presence when he fired off a ceremonial first drive at the beginning of each Masters tournament. It was a fitting start to the tourney. Palmer has won four green jackets, so the younger generations of golfers would symbolically follow in his footsteps.
Unfortunately, due to a lingering shoulder injury from 2014, Palmer announced that he would not be participating in the ceremony this year. He has not been able to hit balls as of late.
From Golf Digest:
Arnold Palmer will not hit the ceremonial opening tee shot at next month’s Masters, Golf World’s Tim Rosaforte reported on Tuesday. Palmer still plans to be at Augusta National for the tournament and the Champions Dinner. Rosaforte broke the news on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive.”
Rosaforte spent time with the golf legend in Palmer’s office on Monday. That’s when the seven-time major champ said he’d called Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne to let him know he won’t be a part of the opening tee shot ceremony.
Of course, Palmer will still be playing host to the tournament.
“I spoke with Arnold yesterday and we certainly understand his decision,” Payne told Rosaforte. “It makes no difference whether he hits a drive. He is a true legend in golf and will be welcomed as usual on the first tee with the other Masters honorary starters. It will be a great day.”
There’s also no telling what exactly the future will hold. Palmer says he plans to start hitting the treadmill again to up his fitness. Who knows? “The King” may be treating us to a long ball as soon as next year..
[via Golf Digest]
Image via YouTube
Rolling up his left sleeve to make sure the roley is visible
10 years ago at 4:09 pmyou already know Kate was wet.
10 years ago at 4:22 pmHe can never be replaced. No one after these three will ever come close but… Forum topic: What previous champions should take over after these three have finished their time?
10 years ago at 4:35 pmDaly
10 years ago at 4:39 pmSpieth obviously. Also thanks for the clicks Boosh.
10 years ago at 4:52 pmWatson and Crenshaw for sure. Maybe Zoeller or Stadler after that?
10 years ago at 5:21 pmI hope no one says Woods. I get he’s a great golfer, but from personal experience what he did was a disgrace. I get y’all think he’s a walking TFM but he fucked up his family and had a great thing going before he did what he did.
10 years ago at 5:30 pmPalmer wasn’t a saint either. He did quite a bit of cheating on his wife as well. Incredible legend to golf, don’t get me wrong. But don’t pretend Woods was the only huge name golfer to do that.
10 years ago at 6:40 pmFrom personal experience? You got fucked by tiger in his prime? Just consider yourself lucky and move on.
10 years ago at 8:05 pmPhil, Faldo, and Crenshaw. All three show the genuine love and respect for Augusta and The Masters that the three before them show today.
10 years ago at 12:14 pmArnold Palmer is an incredible man first owning the golf world and then the refreshment world
10 years ago at 9:35 pmIf you haven’t watch Arnie I would recommend it. A great documentary.
10 years ago at 2:23 am