So I’m watching the newly named Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and feeling sorry for Rocco Mediate.  At the same time, I’m marveling at the performance of the eventual winner Vijay Singh, who, Dan Hicks on NBC tells me, is notching more wins after 40 than any other golfer in history, passing Sammy Snead for that unique line in the record books. And with that mention of the slammer, my mind wanders back the straw fedora, the long fluid swing and the fabled ability to kick the top of a doorway -- and, in his later years, Sam’s joining Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson as one of the Holy Trinity of honorary starters at the Masters. With Lord Byron’s passing they’re all gone now to laugh and play together as newly minted young men in the big major in the sky. 

And then my squishy feelings of revelry are abruptly brought to a swift and unpleasant end when Jimmy Roberts asks Arnie if he’s going to accept the role of Honorary Starter at this year’s Masters and his reply is a hesitant “I’m thinkin’ about it … I’m thinkin’ about it very seriously.” 

Then my mind does an abrupt about face to Marlon Brando sending an Indian princess to collect his Academy Award and George Scott’s refusing to accept his at all!  There is no greater honor in the film world than winning an Oscar and I have to believe that there is no greater accolade in our sport than to be asked to succeed a slammer, a squire and a lord – especially if you’re a King! 

Arnie, what greater time could there have been to announce your acceptance than last week at the tournament the PGA put your name on – at Bay Hill, your Castle! For this disappointing show of ambivalence, you have earned a royal unplayable lie, so your majesty, take a penalty stroke and play on!