Source: Palmer won't hit tee shot at Masters

11:19 AM ET

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  Jason SobelESPN Senior Writer
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  • Covered golf since 2004
  • Former writer at Golf Channel
  • Winner of four Emmys while at ESPN

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- For the first time since 2007, Arnold Palmer will not be hitting a ceremonial tee shot at this year's Masters Tournament, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Palmer is, however, still expected to attended next month's tournament, according to the source.

Palmer, 86, will forgo the ceremonial duties, citing a lingering shoulder injury which has kept him from swinging a club recently, as first reported Tuesday by Golf Channel and confirmed by ESPN.

The four-time Masters champion has hit a Thursday morning drive at Augusta National's first hole for each of the past nine years, joined by Jack Nicklaus in 2010 and Gary Player two years later.

A competitor in 50 editions of the Masters, Palmer last played the event in 2004.

Nicklaus and Player are still expected to hit ceremonial tee shots before the opening round on April 7.

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Source: Palmer won't hit tee shot at Masters