AUGUSTA, Ga., April 9 (UPI) -- Sam Snead will carry on a Masters tradition all by himself this week.
One of the special moments of each Masters comes just before the start of the opening round when an honorary starter hits a ceremonial tee shot.
Only six players have been given that honor and beginning in 1984, Snead joined Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen in filling the role.
Shortly after the 1999 Masters, Sarazen died at the age of 99. Nelson, 90, announced prior to last year's tournament that the 2001 event would be his last as an honorary starter.
There had been speculation that the Masters would select someone to join the 89-year-old Snead, but when the pairings were announced Tuesday, he was the only one listed.
The tradition of an honorary starter began in 1963, when Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod were chosen. The only other person given the honor has been Ken Venturi, who hit a ceremonial tee shot in 1983.
