Rochester Post-Bulletin, 4-10-2004
Comment
By Sunday, the focus at the Masters will be on the final-round contenders.
But make no mistake: Friday's second round was the prime day of drama at this Masters, and the day was all Arnie.
Friday will be remembered for the cheers of Arnie's Army and the tears of Palmer himself. Though he no longer has the ability that allowed him to claim four Masters titles from 1958 to 1964, Palmer remained his ever-engaging self at his 50th and final competitive showing at Augusta. He chatted it up with his devoted fans. He kissed his granddaughter. He hugged his grandson, who caddied for him.
Palmer's impact on golf is immeasurable. But let's try to measure it anyway. Consider first that another fellow has strongly hinted that this year will be his last of 44 Masters appearances. Goes by the name of Jack Nicklaus. But even the Golden Bear, arguably the greatest golfer of them all, stood squarely in Arnie's long shadow on Friday.
Then there's this, a notion introduced to me by a sage colleague. Has any athlete done more for his sport than Palmer has done for golf? With his skill, and, probably equally important, his charisma, Arnold Palmer made golf a game not just for country club members, but for the masses.
—Neil Tardy