Arnold Palmer replaced by Ben Crenshaw at Masters

Ben Crenshaw will end his long run of playing the Masters with a final appearance this week -- but he might be starting a new tradition at Augusta National Golf Club.

The two-time champion will take Arnold Palmer’s spot beside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in the par-3 contest that takes place on the Wednesday before the tournament each year.

“There’s no replacing Arnold Palmer,” Crenshaw told the Augusta Chronicle. “Anytime I can get close to visiting with Jack and Gary … That’s a privilege. I’m sorry Arnold can’t make it.”

The 85-year-old Palmer is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in a fall in December. He is expected to serve as an honorary starter with Nicklaus and Player on Thursday.

But it remains to be seen if Palmer will return for next year’s par-3 or be permanently replaced by Crenshaw.