Palmer says Friday's round will be last

AUGUSTA - Arnold Palmer, who helped popularize golf with his four Masters victories, will play his last round at the tournament Friday. <br> <br> After shooting an 89 in Thursday&#39;s first round, Palmer said that the time had come to stop playing competitively at Augusta National. <br> <br> Palmer said, ``It&#39;s over. It&#39;s done. There&#39;s some things in life that are inevitable and I&#39;m facing that now.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The 72-year-old Palmer, playing in his 48th Masters, was given two standing ovations as he approached the 18th green following a round that was more ceremonial than competitive. <br> <br> Palmer kissed women in the gallery and greeted old friends as he toured the course, but clearly was upset with his game after shooting a 47 on the front side that included a four-putt double bogey on the first hole. <br> <br> Palmer said, ``I&#39;m not sad about it. I&#39;m just sad I&#39;m not playing the kind of golf I&#39;d like to represent.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> His decision to drop out came after the Masters asked three former champions not to play this year because their games were not up to tournament standards. <br> <br> Palmer said, ``I didn&#39;t want to get a letter.&#39;&#39;

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/4/196142