Nicklaus joins Palmer in US Masters'

ceremonial starting role in 2010

Jack Nicklaus, 69, will join Arnold Palmer as an honorary starter at next year's U.S. Masters.
Four times title-winner Palmer, now 79, has performed the ceremonial role on his own since 2007 at the opening major of the season at Augusta National.
"We are delighted and fortunate to have such a great ambassador and icon of our sport take part in this tradition," Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said in a statement.
"Having Jack join Arnold on the first tee next April will be a special thrill for his many loyal fans around the world."
The 2010 Masters will take place from April 8 to 11.
Six times title-winnerNicklaus, who made his 45th and final competitive start at Augusta National in 2005, agreed to join Palmer in hitting the ceremonial first shot after receiving the support of his long-time friend.
"I have always had great respect for Arnold and his legacy at the Masters and I did not, in any way, want to infringe on the opportunity for Arnold to have and enjoy this Masters tradition for himself," said Nicklaus.
"He is so deserving of this honour, and thus I felt it was his time, not mine."
Nicklaus added that, because Palmer had "enthusiastically supported the invitation, it became an easy decision for me."