AUGUSTA, Ga., March 30 (UPI) -- The Augusta Chronicle reported Saturday that Masters chairman Hootie Johnson has changed the club's controversial decision to stop former championships from playing in the tournament after they turn 65.
That unpopular rule was scheduled to be implemented in 2004 and it had caused hard feelings among some of the legendary players nearing or past that age.
Arnold Palmer, 73, played last year in what he said would be his final Masters and he was given an emotional farewell by the galleries.
The Chronicle said, however, that Palmer had changed his mind and would play again. It will be his 49th consecutive appearance in the event.
Johnson sent letters last year to former champions Doug Ford, Billy Casper and Gay Brewer, suggesting they not play in the 2002 event. None did so.
Brewer was so upset at the manner in which the Masters handled the matter that he refused to appear at the Champions Dinner which is held on Tuesday of Masters week each year.
