BBC SPORT | Golf | US Masters | Augusta bids Palmer farewell

"I've never seen anything quite like this," said Palmer.

"I've seen big crowds and I've seen people but this was unbelieveable."

The round ended with a two-foot putt for a double bogey on the 18th hole to complete a round of 85, an improvement on the opening-round 88 which precipitated the 72-year-old's decision not to return to Augusta.

Palmer has not made the cut here since 1984 but the weather delay meant he once again got to play Augusta National on Saturday.

"I was delighted when play was stopped on Friday. It's a long time I have played here on Saturday," he said.

And despite the emotions on the 18th green, Palmer insisted he did not regret his decision not to return to the scene of some of his greatest moments in golf.

"I am not sad," he said.

"I'm just going to fade away and this is the time. There is no question Augusta has meant an awful lot to me over the years, perhaps the one tournament that kick-started my career. I love Augusta."

Palmer admitted that he had thought about playing here for two more years.

Arnold Palmer
The crowds gather as Palmer hits a tee shot on the 17th

"At one point I thought about doing 50 and playing right through but it just seemed like this is appropiate this year. As you know my game is really not good," said Palmer.

And he admitted that it could have been his last professional appearance.

"If I continue to play as poorly as I have recently I will not be out there. I promise you that," he said.

Masters chairman Hootie Johnson said it would be impossible to list all of Palmer's achievements over the Augusta National course.

"He has provided us with countless years of excitment and thrills and has shown us how the game of golf is supposed to be played," said Johnson.

"We owe a debt to Arnold and he will always have a very special place in Masters history."

Greg Norman was equally full of praise.

"I think every player, from the modern player like Tiger Woods to the old guys like me, should take their hats off to Arnold," he said.

"He is what golf is all about. He brought the corporate money, the charisma and the fans to the game. He will be missed."

Palmer has played in every Masters since 1955 and won the event in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964.

Only Jack Nicklaus has won more Masters titles.


	Links to more US Masters stories