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The Champions Crush Four-time Master's champion Arnold Palmer shares a smile amid chaos as a Richmond County Sheriff's Deputy tries to clear the way for him following the Mayors Masters Reception at Augusta Botanical Gardens, April 5. Among the throng of close to 700 celebrating what Palmer termed his final competitive Masters appearance was Augusta Mayor Bob Young, who grew up in Thomson and graduated from Thomson High School in 1965. Close to 100 people seeking a signature created a crush on the legend before concerns arose for Palmer's safety. Jim Wallace "If golf has a king, it is Arnold Palmer. He popularized the sport and did it with style and class. His early wins in the Masters certainly went a long way to nurturing the professional stature of that tournament. Arnold was, and remains today, one of the most endearing figures of the game. He's a champion's champion," Mr. Young said of Palmers influence. Jim Wallace Web posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004