ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Arnold Palmer might tee it up at the Masters again - as an honorary starter.
The four-time Masters champion said Wednesday 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."
