It’s Palmer’s Last: Can Norman Last?

The 124th British Open begins today at St. Andrews, where the two big story lines Wednesday were Greg Norman, who has a bad back, and Arnold Palmer, who isn’t coming back.

Norman didn’t play, but he carried his putter and a couple of wedges to survey the course during what was supposed to be his practice round. He said he was protecting his back, which is bothering him because of a busy schedule.

Norman and Nick Faldo are considered the favorites to win the third major championship of the year.

Palmer’s appearance will be his 23rd in the British Open, a stretch that began in 1960 when he finished second to Kel Nagle at St. Andrews.

Palmer, who won in 1961 at Royal Birkdale and in ’62 at Troon, missed the cut in the 1990 Open at St. Andrews and hasn’t played the event since. There won’t be any others, he said.

“This is my last Open,” Palmer said. “It doesn’t seem like 35 years.”

He could not have played St. Andrews again if there had not been a change in the eligibility rules. Until this year, former champions up to age 65 were invited. To include Palmer one last time, the rule was altered to include former champions in their 65th year.

He will be 66 Sept. 10.

It promises to be a sentimental farewell, one of a continuing series in majors for Palmer, who broke down in tears after playing his last U.S. Open a year ago at Oakmont near his hometown in Latrobe, Pa.,

“It will be an emotional thing this year, I guess, but I don’t think it will be as dramatic as Oakmont,” he said. “I certainly have some feelings about it. I get that way once in a while.”

He was asked his target for his last British Open.

“There is only one,” he said. “Because I am 65, that doesn’t stop me [from wanting to win]. It is still my target.

“I may come [to St. Andrews] in 2000, but it would only be to observe and watch. The only way I would come back [and play] would be to defend.”