As he does every year, Palmer attended the Champions Dinner on Tuesday in the historic Augusta National clubhouse. Angel Cabrerra, the defending champion, hosted the dinner, at which virtually all of the living former winners of the classic event, playing or non-playing, gathered.
Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. EST on ESPN, Palmer will play the annual Par 3 event with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
Palmer serves as the Honorary Starter on Thursday, April 8 at 8:00 a.m. EST and joining him this year will be his long-time rival and friend Jack Nicklaus, each hitting tee shots on the first tee to launch the 2010 Masters. Palmer is the sixth person to serve as Honorary Starter in the long history of the Masters, which began in 1934. Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod inaugurated the role in 1963. Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen took over in 1981 and Ken Venturi filled in for Nelson in 1983. Sam Snead joined Nelson and Sarazen in 1984. The position was vacant since Snead died following the 2002 Masters until the 2007 event when Palmer assumed the role for the first time.
"As you know, Augusta is one of my favorite places and the Masters has meant so much to me personally throughout my career. I have always been treated so warmly there by the patrons. I hope in some way I can show my gratitude to the fans who have followed and supported me these many years” said Palmer. "It's an extra pleasure to have my old friend Jack joining me on the first tee this year."