Thursday, May 01, 2008
Masters Legend Passes Away

Phil Harison, who introduced everyone from Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods in 60 years as the starter on the first tee of the Masters, died Sunday. He was 82.

According to Golf Digest, he made a hole in one in separate rounds with Nicklaus and President Eisenhower, and he played several times with Bobby Jones. Harison was one of two people to attend every Masters since it began in 1934.

He became a familiar voice to fans who grew accustomed to his American Southern drawl and understated manner of announcing each player.

Phil recovered from a car accident that had badly injured his back in time to serve as the starter one last time in 2007, mustering enough strength to announce only the first couple of groups.

Masters chairman Billy Payne said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Phil Harison.

"Phil was a cherished member who made significant contributions to the Masters.

"As the starter on the first tee, he was the face of the Masters to many patrons. He did a wonderful job in that role."



5/1/2008 2:54:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


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