Palmer to skip opening tee shot at Masters

Palmer to skip opening tee shot at Masters

Published Mar. 15, 2016 2:44 p.m. ET

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Arnold Palmer will be on the first tee to help start the Masters this year - but without his golf clubs.

Palmer said Tuesday he has told Augusta National he will not be hitting the ceremonial tee shot to start the Masters this year. Palmer, a four-time Masters champion, has had that role since 2007. Jack Nicklaus joined him in 2010 and Gary Player was added in 2012.

The 86-year-old Palmer is slowing down. He did not have a news conference at his Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Instead, he answered questions that were submitted last week by the golf media.

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Palmer says he would love to hit the ceremonial shot forever, but he can't hit the drive the way he would like.

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