Mar15 PalmerMasters

Arnold Palmer might tee it up at the Masters again – as an honorary starter.

The four-time Masters champion said on Wednesday that he has given “careful consideration” to a request from Augusta National chairman Billy Payne that Palmer hit the ceremonial tee shot to open the Masters.

“I’m thinking about it,” the 77-year-old Palmer said. “I’m giving it some very careful consideration now that I have stopped playing competitively. As you know, Augusta is one of my very favorite places, and of course, Bill Payne is a good friend.”

The Masters has not had a ceremonial starter since Sam Snead died in 2002. Palmer played his 50th and final Masters in 2004.

“It isn’t that I have anything against doing it,” Palmer said. “I just want it to be the right time when I decide to do it.”

Asked if that meant this year or next year, Palmer grinned and replied, “It’s in consideration, period.”

Picture: Arnold Palmer tees off on the ninth hole during the pro-am round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament  yesterday.

By: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press

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