Arnold Palmer gets Masters started

Arnold Palmer was back on the first tee at Augusta National on Thursday but just for one emotional swing, firing the ceremonial first shot to officially open the 71st U.S. Masters.

Palmer's appearance at the year's opening major was enough to pull thousands of golf fans out of bed early on a chilly Georgia morning for a chance to watch the 77-year-old American make his debut as honorary starter.

The Masters has not had an honorary starter since 2002, when Sam Snead struck the ceremonial first drive of the tournament. He died at the age of 89 the following month.

Palmer, a four-times champion and crowd favourite at Augusta National since his debut in 1955, made his 50th and final competitive appearance here in 2004.

"The King has returned and reclaimed his place at the first tee," Rob Johnson, told reporters as he introduced Palmer.

'Arnie's Army' was out in full force for Palmer's return, standing 20 and 30 deep around the first tee and lining the fairway of the opening hole.

Palmer, accompanied by his caddie David Chapman carrying a full bag of clubs, stepped out of the clubhouse and waved good morning to the crowd as he made his way to the tee.

"I have had many great moments here at Augusta National but none of them has given me a bigger thrill," said Augusta chairman Billy Payne as he introduced Palmer. "Arnold Palmer is back on the tee at Augusta National where he belongs to the thrill and delight of millions of his fans."

Palmer pulled his tee shot left but accepted thunderous applause for his effort and acknowledged the crowd before quickly returning to the clubhouse.

"There was excitement in the air," admitted an emotional Palmer. "Seeing what happened when they opened the gates was quite a thrill, to see all those people come in.

"Of course that's what it's been about for me for a long time. The emotion and feeling about being here and doing this, I waited to do this and think about it for couple of years. I felt this was the appropriate time.

"I didn't want to get up and die before I did it.

"Getting to my age, you've got to think about that."

The first honorary starters at Augusta were Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod in 1963, and they continued in the role until 1973 and 1976 respectively.

There was then a four-year break without a starter until Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson took over the role in 1981. Snead, who won the Masters in 1949, 1952 and 1954, joined the duo in 1984.

Sarazen served as an honorary starter until 1999 and Nelson until 2001.