It was only a matter of time - he got to beat Gary Player to it!
That is some nice positive thinking!
I think Arnold would be quite happy to be trading places with Gary this week, who is who will actually play, and match Arnold's Masters' attendance record.
I think Arnold would be quite happy to be trading places with Gary this week, who is who will actually play, and match Arnold's Masters' attendance record.
Maybe Arnie took so long to decide on being starter because he was trying to determine if he would play, further thwarting Player's efforts!?!?
I am glad Arnie accepted. You get the feeling it took a few conversations for Billy Payne to convince him. Gotta admire his competitive nature. It's been 43 years since his last major and more than 3 decades since he was a serious contender in any PGA Tour event, but his optimism never wavered. We all love the King, and it's great to know he will be a part of this wonderful tradition.
Other Honorary Starters at the Masters through the years:
Jock Hutchinson 1963-73 - won the 1920 PGA, 1921 Open, 1937 US Senior Open (at ANGC) and again in 1947
Fred McLeod 1963-76 - Scotish-American won the 1908 US Open, he was 93 when he hit his last opening shot
Gene Sarazen 1981-99 - the Squire was the first to win the career Grand Slam, famous albatross at the 15th during the 1935 Masters, inventor of the sand wedge
Byron Nelson 1981-99 - Lord Byron was most famous for winning 11 straight tournaments in 1945, 5 career majors
Sam Snead 1984-2002 - Slammin' Sammy won a record 82 PGA events and 7 majors
Not hard to imagine that one day soon the Honorary Starters will be the Big Three - the King, the Golden Bear, and the Black Knight.
I think a lot of us are going to feel really old when that happens.
April 4th, 2007, 06:09 AM
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