Moving tribute for Arnold Palmer at this year’s Masters
By Colton Lowe
Before the ceremonial tee shots, Arnold Palmer was honored in front of thousands to start the 81st Masters.
This year’s scene for the ceremonial tee shots was a bit more somber than usual. Before Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus kicked off the 81st Masters, there was an emotional tribute for the legendary Arnold Palmer, who passed away last September.
In front of thousands, Kit Gawthrop, Palmer’s widow, was escorted by Billy Payne, the Augusta National Golf Club Chairman, to an empty, white chair in front of the tee box. Payne then draped a green jacket over the chair in honor of the four-time champion.
As Gawthrop returned to her seat in the crowd, Payne requested for “an Arnie’s Army welcome, one more time, for Mrs. Arnold Palmer.” The crowd roared, as a teary eyed Player and Nicklaus looked on. Palmer, Player and Nicklaus had been taking the ceremonial tees shots together for the Masters since 2012.
Payne then offered some moving words for the man who has been a part of this tournament for over five decades.
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“Arnold Palmer was more than the king,” Payne said. “He was my friend. He was your friend. Despite all the fame and fortune, he always had time for all of us. He was always giving. But, it still hurts so bad that he is not here with us today.”
The tribute was followed by a moment of silence before Player and Nicklaus took their ceremonial shots.
With a chance for stormy weather looming over this year’s tournament, it was a beautiful, calm, sunny morning. A fitting scene to honor one of the greatest players to ever do it.