I’ve respected a number of players who came before me but Arnold Palmer was my model on and off the course. As an amateur I played my very first practice round at the Masters with him at his invitation. I saw how much time and attention he gave to fans, the media and worthy charitable causes. I’m like every other fan of his enormous influence on the game and his great generosity off the course. I’m saddened by his death but I’m a better player and perhaps a better person thanks to his example.
The Masters Tournament, together with the membership of Augusta National Golf Club, joins the global sports and golf community in honoring the memory of Arnold Palmer.