By Torleif Sorenson on 4/6/15

Augusta National Golf Club announced today that Ben Crenshaw will stand in for Arnold Palmer at the Wednesday par-3 contest prior to the 79th Masters Tournament.

As reported by ESPN's Bob Harig, Crenshaw take Palmer's place in a group that will also feature multiple Masters champions Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Crenshaw already has disclosed that this year will be his final Masters Tournament as a competitor.

Harig quoted Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne on the decision:

"We felt [it] was a fitting way to acknowledge the end of Ben's illustrious 44 years of competition at the Masters. We look forward to Arnold's return to the Par 3 Contest next year."

Mr. Palmer is still reportedly planning to participate in the ceremonial tee-shots that begin the tournament on Thursday morning.

The par-3 contest begins on Wednesday at 12:00 EDT; ESPN will begin televising the event at 3:00 p.m. EDT.


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Image via Twitter, Crenshaw on Golf