Arnie’s Army out in force to pay homage

EVEN the icy wind that blew through the grounds at Augusta National at 7.30am couldn’t keep Arnie’s Army away.

They gathered in their thousands for the opening ceremony and a fitting Masters farewell to the King who sadly passed away last September.

Arnold Palmer, of course, was one of three honorary starters who each struck a ceremonial tee shot that signalled each year that the tournament was under way.

Now there were just two, and emotion filled the faces of the two legends who were his friends for more than half a century.

gary Player was actually on the driving range at 6am with a full set of clubs to prepare for his one shot.

He wiped away a tear before belting a beauty down the middle. Jack Nicklaus took off his cap and looked towards the heavens.

‘I hope Arnold is giving us a thumbs-up from up there,’ he said, grinning, before hitting a belter of his own.

‘Shall we call it a tie?’ said Player. He knew Nicklaus had done him by a few yards and Jack, competitive even now at 77, wasn’t going to let him get away with it.

At the back of the tee, watching it all unfold, was Palmer’s widow Kit.

By her side was a chair with Arnie’s green jacket folded neatly over it. This Masters won’t produce a more moving moment than this.

Palmer won four Masters titles in all, in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964. And he played in 50 editions of this historic competition. Even when he could hardly play a shot at all, they still came out to follow him in their hordes.

Here they came once more, only this time to say goodbye. And thank you.

Player and Nicklaus, meanwhile, made their way to the press interview room.

They shared their stories. They might still be there now, there were just that many to tell.