It may have been the smallest gallery Arnold Palmer has ever had in his storied Masters career.
But the King didn't disappoint his legion of followers, setting the record for most consecutive Masters starts with 45.
After weather delayed play in Thursday's opening round for 90 minutes, Palmer hitched up his pants and went out to finish the 18th hole. His approach found the right-hand bunker, but he skillfully blasted out to 18 inches and made the putt for par.
The smallish gallery roared with approval.
``Thanks for being here Arnie,'' one fan said after the round.
``It's what we come for,'' another fan chimed in.
Although disappointed with his 11-over 83, Palmer said golf isn't his prime focus these days.
``In this stage of my life there are a lot of things that are more important to me,'' he said, citing his wife, his children and their health.
The four-time Masters champion first came to Augusta in 1955. He donned his first green jacket in 1958, followed by three more titles. In addition, he won the U.S. Open and a pair of British Opens.
With his start Thursday, Palmer moved ahead of Sam Snead (1937-83) and Doug Ford (1956-99) for most consecutive starts. Jack Nicklaus had 40 straight starts going into this year, but had to turn down his invitation while he recuperates from hip-replacement surgery.
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Arnold Palmer greets the crowd as he approaches the No. 1 tee for the first round of the Masters Tournament Thursday April 8, 1999 at Augusta National .
Jonathan Ernst/Chronicle Staff
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In Masters records and lore, Palmer is one of a select few to reign supreme. He birdied the final two holes in 1960 to win the tournament, and he shares the record for rounds led or tied for the lead with 14.
``My father said about golf, `Hit it, go find it, hit it again and enjoy it,''' Palmer said. ``That is why this game's so great. There isn't anybody who mastered the game.''
Although he hasn't made the Masters cut since 1983, that doesn't bother his fans as much as it does Palmer.
``I played horribly today, but it doesn't dampen the spirit of being here,'' he said. ``Even shooting a bad score, I enjoyed the round.''
Earlier this year, Palmer said he would scale back his tournament appearances until his game improved.
``It will continue to scale back unless I start playing better,'' he said.
But Palmer doesn't foresee ending his streak at Augusta anytime soon.
``I don't know,'' he said, then pointed to the sky. ``Probably when that man calls me.''
Still roaring 
