There will be a break with tradition at next month’s Masters in Augusta, when Arnold Palmer will not be hitting a ceremonial tee shot on the first day.
A 50-time Masters veteran, the 86-year-old American has hit a Thursday-morning drive every year since 2008 but has cited a shoulder injury as the reason he will not strike the ball at Augusta on April 7.
"I called the (Augusta) chairman, Billy Payne, and informed him that I have resigned from hitting the ceremonial first tee shot.
"I am going to attend the Champions Dinner and then go home on Thursday, which has been my usual schedule the last few years."
Palmer will watch fellow veterans Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit first-morning tee shots.
Palmer - a four-time Masters winner - last appeared in the Masters as a player in 2004.
