2017 Honorary Starters Ceremony

[@yournightmareracing1754]

It was the 1994 US Open at Oakmont, first round - 9th tee. My friend and I placed ourselves early front row and to right of the tee box about 40 feet ahead so that we could see him tee off and stride toward his next shot. A funny thing happened as we watch player after player strike their ball wayward left and wayward right. A few found the fairway but not many. The stewards at the top of that large blind hill would signal left or right as each competitor teed off. This went on for between 45 minutes to an hour standing there waiting. Waiting for him. As Arnie came to the 9th tee, the crowd came with him. We still had our perfect spot and now I had a feeling he knew this course and this tee shot like the back of his hand. After seeing the young guns struggle it was surreal watching that ball crack off his driver in a HOT beeline cresting that hill by no more than 6 feet but still rising as it past the crest...dead straight. It was the only shot in the time standing there the stewards both faced forward toward the green and motioned their arms frontward over and over again, signaling it was dead center. The throng had no idea what a magnificent shot that was. I did, and nd so did he. My mouth hung open as I turned to look at him. He was walking off the tee box and for whatever reason I was the only one clapping. The throng was already peeling off to rush up to his next shot. I was staring at him now with a smile added to my slacked jaw, continuing to be the only one clapping as he walked off the tee. He looked at me, nodded, smiled hard and gently tipping his brim with his eyes glued to mine. I had never felt anyone offer such authentic appreciation before or since in that manner. His show of appreciation lasted but 4 seconds, but remains with me 26 years and 5 months later. It was that profound. Many speak to this day about such authentic 'moments' with Arnold Palmer. My only way to thank him and honor him for that moment is to share my humble story and hope it inspires others to live and appreciate each person and each moment the way Arnold Palmer did.

[@Jegiro]

For you personally, it must have been a moment to cherish for ever, and with the great man being the local hero, it would’ve been extra special for him. Arnie is without question the most loved and popular golfing icon of all time. He always had so much time for everyone, especially the fans, and he showed that affection constantly. Arnie had the most amazing personality and character of any golfer, and he totally deserved the nickname “The King”. We all miss him so much, RIP Arnie. By the way I am from Durban, S Africa and remember that 1994 Open at Oakmont so well as it was Ernie Els’s first Major Championship, regards Rob.

[@terrystrauss3564]

I had the privilege to work the Nestle Invitational in 1990 and 1991. I worked from dawn to dusk, maybe perhaps a little longer, when needed. 8 days each time, Sunday through the following Sunday. The first Sunday I was at the parking lot entrance and it was blistering hot outside. Here he comes in his cart, customized, and he stopped and asked if I needed an orange juice os some water. I declined both with a no thank you. He was as real as real gets. I have a picture of he and I after a practice round, which he played with Lou Holtz, signed “To Terry, Thanks for your help, Arnold Palmer”.

[@yournightmareracing1754]

@@terrystrauss3564 Fantastic story Terry. Such an impact he made on everyone he interacted with.

[@SingularitySessions]

I was born and raised in Latrobe Pennsylvania.. Arnies home town. I was at his funeral. Words simply cannot describe the everlasting, unbelievably profound effect his greatness as a player.. and more importantly as a man.. he has had on our community.

[@yournightmareracing1754]

@@SingularitySessions Well said John. His nature and presence was unique among men.

[@Dreama40]

Ricky there paying his respects, he's such a class act!

[@MarkSmith-lz5rk]

Yup, he knows, respect those who came before...humble always I love Ricky fowler...love to see him win just 1 major

[@HolgerRuneFan]

There will never, ever be another Arnie. I met him several times and he was wonderfully kind and amazing to all fans.

[@rg1809]

I love it. Jack, always Jack, takes his time, looks down the fairway to aim, hits the ball and with all the competitiveness that made him great, stares to see where the ball ends up.

[@dandowney1732]

I wrote to Arnold Palmer over several years on behalf of our annual fund-raiser to support a small school that worked with special needs kids here in Sarasota, FL. Every year we received a signed picture of "The King" which never failed to be the most popular auction item. And it always included a kind note from his secretary wishing us success. I bought one of those pictures, and I treasure it. I have nice memories of all his kindnesses.

[@bowlnow824]

I balled my eyes out watching this ceremony! It was so emotional and so much history just in this clip.

[@kryer981]

When Jack played his final round at Augusta, I shed not a tear. When Arnold played his, I cried as he walked the 18th fairway. There was just something about Arnold that drew you in on an emotional level.

[@Jim_Harwood]

Interesting thing about Gary Player is he remains a full time professional golfer and his swings shows that he still works on his game to keep it as sharp as possible at 80 years young

[@MrMark945]

Really? What has he played in lately

[@CCROGGY]

Full time professional no but the man is a fitness freak

[@mcr2124]

It’s so awesome to see Augusta National uploading so much content! This is great!

[@chandlerpierce7756]

Such a beautiful speech

[@steveboyer3895]

The greatness of The King goes beyond human explanation. He had charisma and depth like no other professional athlete. His personal outreach to golf fans was phenomenal. Praise be to him always and family.

[@Mechaxthemaskedgamer]

I think I saw Gary player tear up at one moment just broke my heart even though it's been over 2 years now.....

[@Ireallylikegolf]

one day its gonna be tiger and Phil teeing off

[@kryer981]

That will be pretty cool.

[@Rvdecwthug]

​@@kryer981the next generation of honorary starters will be Nick Faldo and Ben Crenshaw and maybe Bernard Langer

[@MarkSmithhhh]

​@@Rvdecwthug yep, then it would go to the tiger phil generation...

[@Shooter77]

Not Phil anymore

[@slidget36]

What a great speech! From the heart, not read off of a page.

[@bigdbohnen]

Long Live The King

[@JohnnyHads]

Love how competitive Jack is. When Gary says “It’s a tie” Jack gives him that classic look we all know. Like “What??” 🤣🤣

[@MarkSmithhhh]

Lol yep, that's what made him.what he was

[@sappermade6012]

Billy did a great job! He’s the best Chairman Augusta ever had....

[@smokefree08]

He has a kind heart. Great speaker and ambassador of the game.

[@alexyoung4052]

Fred Ridley's better

[@jrsouth9253]

Agree. Billy did a fantastic job

[@hunterm4188]

100% agree

[@jordanboteler8978]

i liked hootie johnson hes the best

[@BigBoshV]

Incredible speech, Jack taking off his cap then looking to the heavens & Gary Player being Gary Player. Doesn't get any better sending off Mr Arnold Palmer like that.

[@TeacherLegendary]

He had one wife for 45 years till she died from cancer for . That is the perfect testament to the kind of man he is. A true gentleman and role model

[@lancemartin3351]

Winnie Palmer, the mother of his children, was a strong and stable compliment to Mr. Palmer.

[@porico51]

There have been a few better golfers than Arnold though not many. There will never be a more beloved , popular golfer than Arnold. He made golf fun to watch and drew millions to the game. Glad I was around for all of his success and popularity.

[@jacquesbekker854]

Arnold was the greatest of the big three and it breaks my heart to not see him there, I will always remember him as the best player of the big three

[@Jim_Harwood]

Very under rated as an all time great. RIP Arnold Palmer

[@joelmcnultymusic]

Arnold was the greatest ambassador golf has ever known, but he was not the best player of the big three.

[@slapshot68]

Jack won more masters than Arnold n won the most majors, Arnold is great but not the greatest of the big 3

[@MrMark945]

He was absolutely of the best of the big 3...great person, great golfer...but come on player and Nicklaus were better especially Nicklaus

[@richd3044]

Arnie's my favorite, and the most beloved of the three, but Nicklaus is the best, maybe of all time. If Arnie didn't have several bad breaks and near misses in other majors during his career, he could have been in the conversation.

[@SEGMAN007TEX]

Endless love and respect!💙

[@MarkSmithhhh]

His swing is still so recognizable

[@DMR4736]

Was such a great ceremony that year; and now they've added Watson, who can still play

[@Rvdecwthug]

And in 10 years it will be Nick Faldo, Ben Crenshaw and maybe Bernard Langer as honorary starters

[@frankwoz6945]

What a great speech

[@PlainTraces]

Billy Payne was a class act of a chairman…

[@Gam3Junkie]

Beautiful speech.

[@Leo-DaGreek]

As a 17 yr old I had a hand shake and a smile from my Golf Hero Mr Ben Hogan as His Club Shady Oaks CC he was on the putting green practicing and my friend worked at the cart Barn,he told me at school that He would take me to see him,,& damm if he didn’t!1985⛳️

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

Miss Billy Payne ceremonies

[@joso5554]

Great words and a very nice homage to the King. His two partners in crime were obviously emotional, but it looks like they swinged two nice little ones in Arnie’s memory. I bet he enjoyed watching them from the clouds. ❤

[@williammorrison6228]

Payne did a great job with this

[@jamesmay3798]

Drove it all the way to the green

[@frankstawara7973]

My favorite event, period. My daughter was born at the exact moment this happened -4/6/2017. What are the odds?!?! My all time favorite thing in the world. Of course she’s not a fan because the masters always falls around her birthday and Daddy watches the golf during her birthday 😂

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

"Do we get a mulligan now that we're 80?" lol

[@sappermade6012]

There will never be golfers like this again

[@orimomasao5173]

アーニーズアーミー。

[@UnearthlyKiss]

A sad occasion and Mrs Palmer looked like a wonderful Lady. Old age should never be allowed to enter the bodies of legends. They should always be magnificent! I always hoped Seve would one day be included in this but alas it will never be. Golf can be sad.

[@MarkSmithhhh]

Lol jacks so competitive, player saying "its a tie" and jack going "huh, what..." and just death staring him

[@hasseygolf]

Will LIV ever have (or even try to have) such tradition?…

[@michaelrichardson6051]

Nicklaus and Player. 2 Grand Slam winners.

[@jytrox484]

2018?

[@lawrencegenedavid2288]

Jytrox 2019

[@darvish2012]

2020

[@michaelferrino6228]

Arnie passed sept 2016, this is April 2017

[@winstonsmith11]

@@michaelferrino6228 True. But these people aren't saying that. They're saying when they were here. 2021.

[@scottblanton5220]

Am I the only one crying

[@shn725]

At the end of the video, Gary says to Jack, "it's a tie", as if to say that they drove the ball the same length off the tee. Jack looks back at him, very competitively , like, that was no tie....I hit it further.

[@Oldlard]

6:10 I love how he intently watches his ball to make sure he beats Gary. Can't stop being competitive.

[@MarkSmith-lz5rk]

Yep, thats why jack was who was...always looking to win

[@davecassady7468]

@@Oldlard I noticed the same thing. Gary teed off & walked away. Jack teed off & watched where the ball landed.

[@jameshoran8]

Fred Ridley could have never given that speech. Billy Payne was awesome. Billy should have also given a shout out to the real Mrs Palmer. Winnie who is now with Arnold.

[@pronemanoldbutyoung5548]

Billy must have been a pastor in his former life

[@steveevans424]

NICK still has the wood

[@mcshane191]

Misty in here

[@jameshoran8]

Winnie was the real "Mrs Arnold Palmer"

[@bbm1077]

the diversity at the masters is fantastic

[@roncnuts]

Those legends will never be replaced but whose next in line to be an honorary starter? It is inevitable after all

[@AlonsoRules]

Tom Watson has to do it

[@slapshot68]

Tiger woods of course, there is no golf without Tiger

[@phaedo1384]

but that’s still years from now

[@kyleward169]

Anthony Kernich I agree, and definitely Tiger Woods.

[@MarkSmith-lz5rk]

@@AlonsoRules yup Tom Watson next up i think, what about trevino has he done it

[@jamesmurray3128]

Arnold Palmer was and will always be my favorite golfer. I know it's common when a spouse dies, the remaining spouse remarries, but to me, Winnie Palmer will be Annie's only wife.

[@creative_username0572]

What is wrong with the people that disliked this video.

[@slapshot68]

Jack is the king, he had more green jackets n major wins, Arnie is the queen

[@giantaylor3874]

Does anyone notice when he introduces her he says"miss's Arnold Palmer"seriously

[@curtissmith8747]

That's normal to say that in a time like that. Thats your response to this "seriously"

[@leehutchinson7005]

She's not Mrs Arnold Palmer ffs she's a woman in her own right and is Kathleen, wife OF Arnold Palmer

[@robertwarren4346]

Lee Hutchinson it’s a courtesy and a tradition to introduce the wife as mrs.(husbands name).

[@Christopher-li7uc]

Lee Hutchinson im sure this devestated her 😂😅😂😅, oh my, some peoples kids

[@trythinkingforachange4201]

I guess your undies are in a bunch, I'm sure Kathleen's weren't. Time to grow up and stop being a SJW.

[@andrewp8892]

Snowflakes.... what can you say. Maybe you need to find a safer safe place. Somewhere out of the sun so you don't melt

[@barrystanyer3971]

@@trythinkingforachange4201 l