Crenshaw to sub for Palmer
Ben Crenshaw will take Arnold Palmer’s place alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in the par-3 tournament at Augusta National.
The 1984 and 1995 Masters champion will mark his 44th and last consecutive appearance at the tournament by stepping in for Palmer, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, at the curtain-raising event on Wednesday afternoon.
The 85-year-old Palmer will still act as honorary starter on Thursday.
Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National, said in a statement: “We were sad to learn that Arnold will not participate in this year’s Par 3 Contest, but his health is most important.
“We are very excited to welcome him to the tee Thursday as an Honorary Starter, where we will once again honour his extraordinary contributions to the Masters Tournament and the game of golf.
“We are pleased to announce that Ben Crenshaw has accepted our invitation to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for this year, which we felt was a fitting way to acknowledge the end of Ben’s illustrious 44 years of competition at the Masters. We look forward to Arnold’s return to the Par 3 Contest next year.”
Winning the par-three tournament has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice, with no champion going on to win the tournament proper in the same year.v
Latest
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau called ‘classless’ for complaints over putt not being conceded
The American did not seem happy that he had been made to putt as he laid his putter on ground after taking his shot.
-
NewsJustin Thomas and Daniel Berger hit the beer as USA take commanding lead
With the United States holding a 9-3 lead they clearly felt in the mood to get the party started as they whipped up the home fans.
-
NewsJon Rahm and Sergio Garcia carry European fight but USA build dominant 9-3 lead
Rahm and Garcia recovered from losing the first three holes to beat Koepka and Daniel Berger 3 and 1.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington defends decision to leave Rory McIlroy out of foursomes
McIlroy had played 26 straight matches since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington still counting on Rory McIlroy despite foursomes omission
The European Ryder Cup captain indicated McIlroy would play the afternoon fourballs and said “we need him for the singles”.
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup Day 2: Can Europe fight back after USA’s dominant start?
The hosts powered into a 6-2 lead on day one at Whistling Straits to leave Padraig Harrington’s men with a mountain to climb.
-
NewsRyder Cup day one: Rory McIlroy confident Europe can recover from 6-2 down
Padraig Harrington’s side lost both sessions on the opening day 3-1 and won just one match outright.
-
NewsRory McIlroy reduced to a spectator as Europe struggle in Ryder Cup
The four-time major winner will not appear in the Saturday foursomes, with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia sent out first again.
-
NewsRyder Cup day one: Rory McIlroy confident Europe can recover from 6-2 down
The Northern Irishman lost twice in the same day for the first time and did not even reach the 16th hole.
-
NewsEurope face mammoth challenge to retain Ryder Cup after poor opening day
Rory McIlroy stayed optimistic in Wisconsin, however, with the Northern Irishman saying his side ‘can come back from 6-2’.