Palmer will be honorary starter for the Masters

Arnold Palmer said Tuesday that he would serve as honorary starter at the Masters and hit the ceremonial first ball Thursday before the first round.

Palmer, 77, played in 50 consecutive Masters beginning in 1955 and won four times, the last time in 1964.

“I am happy to be here,” Palmer said. “I just wish it was in a different role. Not that I mind what I’m doing, but I’d much rather be playing.”

Palmer, who last played the Masters in 2004, is the first honorary starter at the Masters since Sam Snead in 2002. Byron Nelson and Snead shared the starter’s duties from 1984 to 2001.

Other Masters honorary starters are Jock Hutchinson (1963-73), Fred McLeod (1963-76), Gene Sarazen (1981-99) and Ken Venturi (1983).

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-- Thomas Bonk