Jack Nicklaus to be an honorary starter at Augusta with Arnold Palmer
It has just been announced that six-time champion and one of the contemporary golfing greats, Jack Nicklaus, will be there as an honorary starter at next year’s tournament along with Arnold Palmer.
Currently the leader in Masters titles, for him this will be a comeback for one shot, so to say, at the famous Augusta National Golf Club next year. In 2005 Nicklaus happened to make the last of his overall 45 career appearances in Masters.
He stated that he was a bit reluctant to steal the show from Arnold Palmer. However, he chose to accept the invitation after his longtime friend as well as rival encouraged him. Since he supported the invitation, it was easier for him to do so.
Jack Nicklaus explained in a statement that was released by Augusta National Golf Club: “I’ve always had great respect for him (Arnold) and also his legacy at the Masters. I did not, in any way, wish to infringe on the opportunity for him to have and enjoy this great Masters tradition for himself. He is so very deserving of this rare honor, and hence I felt it was his time, not mine…”
On his part, Palmer stated in an e-mail: “I’m happy to have Jack (Nicklaus) join me as an honorary starter. It indeed has been a pleasure to be a part of this special tradition these last couple of years at the Masters. I welcome with me next year my long-time good friend & competitor on the first tee.”
Masters week is scheduled between in April 2010.