Masters spectators to be given 'Arnie's Army' badges in memory of Arnold Palmer
In honour of the late Arnold Palmer, the Masters will give each spectator a commemorative "Arnie's Army" badge for tomorrow's first round.
Augusta National chairman Billy Payne wore one during his annual pre-tournament press conference as he outlined how Palmer, a four-time Masters champion, would be remembered following his death at the age of 87 last September.
"For the first time in over 60 years our sport is without its pre-eminent hero, a man whose greatness as player and a champion was exceeded only by his qualities as a man," Payne said.
"Arnold Palmer let us all into his life, not from the distance that is typically maintained between a superstar and a fan, but close up so that we could literally push him to greatness and regale in his accomplishments as though they were our own.
"During his extraordinary life, Arnold Palmer and Augusta National connected in so many wonderful ways. His four victories, the Arnold Palmer Tribute Monument on the 16th tee, his annual participation in our Honorary Starter ceremony, even his membership into our Club, all of them, outward displays of our love and affection for this very special man.
"On behalf of our members and our patrons, we are honoured to make a significant contribution to the Arnold Palmer Charitable Foundation and tomorrow morning, for the Honorary Starter's Ceremony, we will once again proudly summon Arnie's Army and provide every one of our patrons on the grounds a special commemorative badge that I am wearing today.
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 5, 2017
"I think tomorrow will no doubt be an emotional goodbye, but at the same time an even more powerful thank you to the man we dearly love."
Palmer acted as an honorary starter from 2007 to 2016 and was joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player from 2010 and 2012 onwards respectively.
Nicklaus and Player will continue the tradition of each hitting a tee shot on the par-four first hole at 7:40am local time on Thursday before retiring to the cluhouse.
