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Posted April 6, 2017, 7:57 am
BY
John Boyette
|
Sports Editor

Emotional morning as Palmer remembered

  • Article Photos
    Emotional morning as Palmer remembered
    Photos description

    Billy Payne places Arnold Palmer’s green jacket on a chair as his widow Kit Palmer stands with him on the first tee for the honorary start Thursday morning. (JON-MICHAEL SULLIVAN/STAFF)

It was an emotional scene this morning as the first Masters Tournament in more than six decades began without Arnold Palmer.

Augusta National and Masters chairman Billy Payne escorted Palmer’s widow, Kit, to the first tee while carrying Palmer’s green jacket.

“Arnold Palmer was my friend. He was your friend,” Payne said to the patrons gathered around the first tee. “It still hurts so bad that he is not here today.”

Payne asked for a moment of silence.

Palmer’s fellow Big Three members Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit ceremonial tee shots. Player hit his down the right side, while Nicklaus piped his down the middle.

All patrons are being given Arnie’s Army buttons when they enter the grounds this morning.

See more photos from the Honorary Starter ceremony

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