SPORTS BRIEFS: Arnold Palmer won’t hit opening tee shot at 2016 Masters

Palmer won’t hit opening tee shot at 2016 Masters

For the first time since 2007, Arnold Palmer will not hit the ceremonial opening tee shot at the Masters next month.

Palmer informed Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne of his decision on Monday, as first reported by the Golf Channel. The 86-year-old Palmer participated in the ceremony last year despite a shoulder injury.

“I spoke with Arnold yesterday, and we certainly understand his decision,” Payne said in a statement. “It makes no difference whether he hits a drive. He is a true legend in golf and will be welcomed as usual on the first tee with the other Masters honorary starters. It will be a great day.”

Jack Nicklaus joined Palmer in the opening ceremony in 2010, and Gary Player was added in 2012.

Broncos match Miami’s offer to Anderson

Running back C.J. Anderson will be back with the Denver Broncos after the team matched a four-year, $18 million offer from the Miami Dolphins.

Anderson had offers from the Chicago Bears and Dolphins and as a restricted free agent, the Broncos retained refusal rights to match any offer Anderson accepted.

Denver officially matched the money on the table from Miami on Tuesday.

“Just got off the phone w/CJ & let him know we’re excited to match the offer sheet. We have high expectations for CJ and are glad he’s back!,” vice president and general manager John Elway said via Twitter.

Anderson was the second-leading rusher to Ronnie Hillman with the Broncos last season. But Anderson was used as the fourth-quarter closer by Denver, running effectively between the tackles and in short-yardage situations.

Hillman is a free agent.

Anderson had been tendered at $1.671 million by the Broncos.

Undrafted out of Cal, he earned a nod to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement in 2014 when he gained 849 yards and eight touchdowns, mostly in the second half of that season. Because of injuries, he fell behind Hillman in 2015, but averaged 4.7 yards per carry and totaled 720 rushing yards.

Darton baseball beats Georgia Highlands

The Darton State College baseball team defeated Georgia Highlands 5-2 on Tuesday in the Region 17 opener. Sam Goberdhan earned the victory, going six innings and allowing just four hits. Michael Reddick earned the save.

Landon Crowder went 2 for 3 with an RBI to lead the offense. Matt Harman went 2 for 4 with an RBI, while John Cable went 1 for 3 with a pair of runs.

Westwood baseball beats Crisp Academy

Westwood lost 4-3 at Tiftarea Tuesday night. The Wildcats managed just four hits off Tiftarea starting pitcher Bo Vickers.

Kevin Hall went 2 for 3, while Tanner Stanaland went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Collier Baggett, who took the loss on the mound, also went 1 for 3.

— From wire, staff reports