Arnold Palmer will not hit ceremonial first tee shot at The Masters

Jack Nicklaus (from left), Arnold Palmer and Billy Payne, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, pose on the first tee before starting the first round of the 2011 Masters. ( Getty Images )Arnold Palmer will not hit the ceremonial first tee shot at The Masters for the first time in nine years, the Golf Channel reported Tuesday morning.

Golf Channel reports that Palmer still plans to attend the year's first major, and the annual Champions dinner on Tuesday before the tournament.

The four-time Masters champion injured his shoulder in December 2014 and, at 86, rarely is able to hit golf balls. Golf Channel reported that Palmer told Augusta National chairman Billy Payne on Monday that he…