Looking Into the Future of Honorary Starters at The Masters
Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus gathered on the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club this morning and teed off the 2014 Masters as honorary starters. It's the third year the "Big 3" have been together in the role. Palmer's been doing it since 2007, Nicklaus joined him in 2010, and Player made it three in 2012. How long might these guys continue in the role? I'm not trying to be morbid — believe me, I hope all three of these legends are around as long as possible — but Arnie is 84 years old, Player is 79 and Nicklaus is 74. (Hard to believe, isn't it?) Of course, Gene Sarazen served as Masters honorary starter until the ripe old age of 99! But eventually, we'll have to say goodbye to these legends, and welcome someone new in the role. Who might that be? There are two golfers who I think are the most obvious next-in-line for honorary starter duties: Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw. Watson is one of the most-honored and best golfers of all...