The 77-year-old Palmer hit two balls into the water on the fourth hole Friday, then said he was withdrawing because of a sore lower back. He continued playing with his threesome of Lee Trevino and John Mahaffey but did not keep score the rest of the round.

Palmer was making only his second appearance on the 50-and-over tour this season in the Administaff Small Business Classic. He remained with the group after withdrawing to entertain the gallery following him at Augusta Pines Golf Course.

Palmer hit his second shot on the 440-yard, fourth hole into the water. He took a drop and again hit into the water before deciding to withdraw.

Palmer said he finished the round because he owed it to his fans.