Arnold Palmer looms large at 1st Masters since his death

FILE - In this April 7, 2016, file photo, Arnold Palmer gives a thumbs up before the ceremonial first tee before the first round of the Masters golf tournament, in Augusta, Ga. The King turned up one last time at the Masters, in ill health but still flashing that familiar thumbs-up sign. Now, it's time to carry on without Arnold Palmer, whose death left a giant void at Augusta National and golf's first major championship. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) FILE - In this April 7, 2016, file photo, Arnold Palmer gives a thumbs up before the ceremonial first tee before the first round of the Masters golf tournament, in Augusta, Ga. The King turned up one last time at the Masters, in ill health but still flashing that familiar thumbs-up sign. Now, it's time to carry on without Arnold Palmer, whose death left a giant void at Augusta National and golf's first major championship. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

By Associated Press April 5, 2017 5 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) – Even in poor health, Arnold Palmer made one last trip to Augusta National.

He was too feeble to swing a club, leaving Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player to handle the ceremonial opening tee shots. But Palmer donned a green jacket, flashed his crooked grin and gave everyone the familiar thumbs-up sign.

Less than six months later, he was gone.

Now, it’s time for the Masters to pay homage to the King.

In the first major championship since Palmer’s death last September , Augusta National is going all out to memorialize his impact on the club – where he won four of his seven career majors, eventually becoming a full-fledged member – and the free-swinging bravado that helped to popularize golf at the beginning of the television era.