Phil Harison Announces His Final Green

Phil Harison, who introduced everyone from Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods during his 60 years as the starter on the first tee of the Masters, has died. He was 82. He died Sunday of natural causes, Augusta National Golf Club said.

Harison was one of two people to attend every Masters since it began in 1934, and he became a familiar voice to the many fans who grew accustomed to his Southern drawl and understated manner of announcing each player. “Fore please, Jack Nicklaus now driving,” he would say.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Phil Harison,” Masters chairman Billy Payne said Monday. “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.”

We hope that the only person remaining who has lived to see every Masters since 1934 will make it to next year's event. Otherwise, his name will enter the record books next to Jean Van de Velde's.

[San Diego Union Tribune]