The 86-year-old Arnold Palmer is still one of the most revered figures on the PGA Tour and one of his most famous trademark moments won't be taking place this year at the Masters.
According to multiple reports, Palmer will not hit his ceremonial first tee shot at the PGA Tour's first major tournament of the season due to a shoulder injury.
"I spoke with Arnold yesterday and we certainly understand his decision," Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne said in a statement. "It makes no difference whether he hits a drive. He is a true legend in golf and will be welcomed as usual on the first tee with the other Masters honorary starters. It will be a great day."
This marks the first time since 2007 that the seven-time major winner will not be conducting the usual ceremonial duty. However, the golf legend will still attend the Masters and partake in the Champions Dinner.
Fellow retired golfers Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will still hit their ceremonial tee shots before the event.
Check out the Big Three's tee shots from last year:
However, Palmer's absence from the ceremonial tee shot isn't exactly a surprise. His grandson, Sam Saunders, said last week that the fifth-winningest golfer in PGA Tour history is expected to be "limited" at his annual event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, this coming weekend. It's unknown if it has anything to do with his shoulder or his health in general, but one can imagine at 86 years old that it's tiring to act as an integral figure at such a high-profile event.
Palmer also won't be hosting his pre-tournament news conference at Bay Hill. He'll instead conduct a private Q-and-A session that won't be in front of any cameras.
"He's doing OK," Saunders added. "I don't think his liveliness is quite there like it has been, but I think that's pretty common for the age. As he says, getting old is tough. I've seen it in him."
It seems as if this is the beginning of the end of Arnie's run as one of golf's ambassadors. If that's the case, he's done more than enough for the PGA Tour, and he'll forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play and represent the game.
