Arnold Palmer: Honorary Masters Starter

Once again this year, four-time Masters champion, Arnold Palmer drove the first, ceremonial tee shot down the first fairway at the Augusta National course to start the competition at the 2009 Masters Tournament.

This is the third year that Palmer has played the role of starter, a tradition that dates back to 1963. Three-time champion, Gary Player announced this week that this year’s tournament would be his last time and there is talk of having him share the starting duties with Palmer in coming years. Palmer said he would welcome sharing the role.

Palmer won the tournament in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964.

(photo credit:Newscom)