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Legend Palmer set for retirement Legend Palmer bids golf farewell
(about 3 hours later)
Golf legend Arnold Palmer has probably played his final competitive event. Golf legend Arnold Palmer says he has played his final competitive event.
The 77-year-old said he could not see himself playing tournament golf again after retiring from the first round of a USPGA Champions Tour with a bad back. The 77-year-old, who won seven major titles, made the announcement after retiring from the first round of a Champions Tour event with a bad back.
"I think this is it," said Palmer, who won seven major titles, including four Masters, and five more as a senior. "I think this is it," said a tearful Palmer, who won four Masters, two Opens and one US Open in a glittering career.
"I'll play some father-son events, some charity events, and that's about it. Right now, there's just no thoughts of any more tournament golf.""I'll play some father-son events, some charity events, and that's about it. Right now, there's just no thoughts of any more tournament golf."
Palmer turned professional in 1955 and won the first of his Masters titles in 1958.Palmer turned professional in 1955 and won the first of his Masters titles in 1958.
That victory saw the creation of "Arnie's Army" - a loyal legion of fans.
He also won at Augusta in 1960, 1962 and 1964 and claimed the US Open in 1960 and the Open in 1961 and 1962.He also won at Augusta in 1960, 1962 and 1964 and claimed the US Open in 1960 and the Open in 1961 and 1962.
I may stop playing now, start exercising and get in shape Arnold PalmerI may stop playing now, start exercising and get in shape Arnold Palmer
Palmer won 62 tour titles in total before joining the Champions Tour aged 50.Palmer won 62 tour titles in total before joining the Champions Tour aged 50.
He won 10 events, including the US Senior Open in 1980 and the Senior PGA Championship in 1984 and 1985.He won 10 events, including the US Senior Open in 1980 and the Senior PGA Championship in 1984 and 1985.
His last tournament win came in 1988 and his last PGA Tour event was the Masters in 2004.His last tournament win came in 1988 and his last PGA Tour event was the Masters in 2004.
"I've been doing this a long, long time," Palmer said. "First of all, to stand out there and not be able to make something happen is very traumatic in my mind."I've been doing this a long, long time," Palmer said. "First of all, to stand out there and not be able to make something happen is very traumatic in my mind.
"When the people all want to see a good shot and you know it, and you can't give them that good shot - that's when it's time."When the people all want to see a good shot and you know it, and you can't give them that good shot - that's when it's time.
"I may stop playing now, start exercising and get in shape and see if I can at least enjoy the simple golf that I always like to play."I may stop playing now, start exercising and get in shape and see if I can at least enjoy the simple golf that I always like to play.
"It's emotional for me because it's my life.""It's emotional for me because it's my life."
Lee Trevino, who was playing with Palmer in the Administaff Small Business Classic event in Texas, grabbed Palmer's ball and got his great rival to sign it and a glove after the final hole.
Trevino knew early in the round that Palmer was having trouble playing.
"After the third hole he was ready to throw it in," Trevino said. "I said, 'I'll get a cart, you don't have to play.' He said, 'No I can't go. I can't leave, but please don't put a score down'."
Jay Haas added: "I think the fans have kept him going for a long time."
"We will certainly miss him. He's The King. You wish he could keep on going but all things must end."