2. Tribute to The King
Generally speaking, a man not playing would not be one of the top storylines for the Masters, or any tournament.
But most men are not Arnold Palmer.
As we all know, Palmer passed away in September. This will be the first Masters without him.
While the list is not long, golf has seen better players. But nobody has ever captured the hearts of the masses like Palmer. And nowhere is his legacy stronger than at Augusta.
Arnold Palmer at @TheMasters from 1957-1967:
T7
1st 🏆
3rd
1st 🏆
T2
1st 🏆
T9
1st 🏆
T2
T4
4thIncredible. pic.twitter.com/hOMJGxGvuo
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 3, 2017
His tributes this week will be a salient reminder that golf was better when Arnold was around. The ceremonial first tee shots struck by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will not feature many dry eyes. They shouldn’t.
The Masters will always be a fantastic event. It’s arguably the greatest event on the tour season and according to this scribe, it’s not a long argument.
But it will not be the same without Palmer.