Longtime Masters starter, Augusta National member Harison dies at 82

4/29/2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- 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.

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

Source: AP, PGA Tour