Tales from the Ranks

Contributions to the Game

You have made MANY awesome contributions to the game as well as society. Keep up the great work and hopefully some day with you as an inspiration I can be the same.

My Meeting with 'Uncle' Arnie

Larry Bohannan
The Desert Sun

Arnold Palmer opens the door of his home and is kind of surprised to see a visitor standing there.

"Most people just walk in," Palmer said, completely serious but with a twinkle in his eye that lets you know you really are supposed to just walk into the Palmer household at Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta. You find yourself hoping you haven't insulted him by knocking on his door before entering.

It's that kind of familiarity that has made Palmer more than just a successful golfer for a couple of generations of golf fans. Palmer is your favorite uncle, the one you actually want to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. He's your next-door neighbor, the one you invite over for barbecues and who lends you his lawn mower.

Sitting in the main room of Palmer's modest home at Tradition, just a short walk from the main clubhouse of the project, it's impossible to know that you're in the home of one of the sport's most successful and recognizable players. The room has no visible signs that Palmer won four majors, 62 PGA Tour events or five Bob Hope Chrysler Classics. On a hutch just behind the dining table is the only real acknowledgement of Palmer's profession. It's a frame containing separate pictures of Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gray Player with an engraved plate proclaiming "The Big Three."

Besides those pictures, it could be anyone's house.

Palmer is dressed in a pink golf sweater featuring a small logo of Tradition Golf Club on the front. That logo is a silhouette of Palmer in his characteristic high follow through, and you can't help but think this is one of the few men in the world who can wear clothing with his own likeness on it. Seriously, who else can get away with that? Rappers? Ralph Lauren?

As Palmer talks freely about his time as the game's most popular and in-demand player, he constantly squeezes rubber doughnuts designed to strengthen his famously strong hands and forearms. Occasionally he'll run a hand through his silver hair, one of the signs that Palmer truly is 77 and that his playing days, at least in official tour events, really is over.

Palmer offers you a beer, water, anything you need. He weaves the offer effortlessly between stories of the road, of driving from tournament to tournament, of looking puzzled as he recalls having never played in the South African Open.

He talks of how this is his last full day in the desert for the season. He'll be off to his home at Bay Hill, outside of Orlando, Fla., where in a few weeks the PGA Tour event he has shepherded through the last two decades will debut with a new name - the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

As you leave, Palmer shakes your hand, because part of Palmer's very being is shaking your hand, looking you in the eye and calling you by your name. He tells you to come to the Orlando tournament sometime.

And you hope you aren't insulting him by not booking a flight for Orlando right away.

First time I saw Mr. Palmer in person

In 1966, Mr. Palmer came to Midland, TX to play in an exhibition with Bob Charles,Bobby Nichols and Gary Player ( not for sure ). My Mother took myself and my twin brother to the exhibition to watch our hero ( Mr.Palmer ). We were following the golfers on a par 4 hole and we were trying to get as close as possible to Mr. Palmer. My twin brother was behind me and by accident pushed me forward and I clipped Mr. Palmer's heel while he was walking. Needless to say Mr. Palmer turned around and very politely told me not to follow so close. A very embarrassing moment, but Mr. Palmer was very nice about the whole deal.

G. Clifton
Marble Falls, TX

In Awe of a Legend

I was attending the 3M championship with my son a couple of years ago and we were standing at the driving range, when a cart pulled up right beside me and when i looked to my left it was Arnold Palmer..Wow!! I couldn't even speak..I just poked my son and told him to look at the great Arnold Palmer.. I am reading a golfers life and am enjoying that..when i go back to the 3M I am hoping you are there again and I will bring the book for you to sign if I could get so lucky. You are my idol in the golf world..and on my last minute golfer.com page you are on my dream foursome.

Best wishes,
S. Hanson
Burnsville, Minnesota

I am addicted to this game, because of you

Dear Mr. Palmer:

The reason that I'm sending this note to you (Mr. Palmer) is to say thank-you. I was watching repeat coverage of the third round of the Bob Hope when I saw you with Nick (Faldo) and Kelly (Tilghman). It was this segment that prompted me to write. I want to say that it is because of you sir that I became interested in this great game of golf.

]]> Mr. Palmer, you were playing in the Senior Canadian Open in Hamilton, Ontario. I'm not too sure of the year (perhaps 1995) so I apologize. But, I was downtown completing a night shift (as a security officer) and I was walking down the street. It just so happened that you were coming out of the hotel on your way to the course (I think it might've been King's Forest that year or Hamilton Golf and Country). I remember making eye contact with you and you greeted me with a warm smile and a simple "Hello, how are you this morning?". Even though I wasn't a golfer back then I knew who you were. I still beat myself up for not asking for an autograph, then again it took me this long to say thank-you.

Well, I can tell you that the first thing I did that morning was go home, shower and head to the nearest sporting good store (yes, I had not discovered the pro shop at this point). I'll never forget my first set of clubs. It cost me $75 CDN for driver, fairway wood and irons. The irons were so bad in hindsight, they had zinc heads. Just harsh really, but it felt so soft when I pured my first 7 iron. Golf didn't truly stick with me then (I was a twice a year golfer...err hacker) as I was too involved in baseball. When I got really ill (I'm now 35) with severe diabetes, kidney and liver problems (diabetic complications) and heart problems (two heart attacks) I lost baseball and hockey. I was pretty depressed for a while and then I thought about picking up golf again. It was 2003 when I broke through and realized that golf was my game. I was playing that winter every chance that I had (as long as there was no snow) and it left me thinking that I was wasting time playing other sports. I have been playing for what would've been my third year last year. I've progressed quickly and surpassed any expectations that I had with this game.

To make a real long story relatively short, I'm hoping to bounce back from a torn Achilles last year (May 15th). I only got in 9 rounds during the season and golfed 20 rounds during the winter months. This year I'm playing on a mini-tour up here to gain experience. Maybe if I'm playing well enough this year I'm going to attempt a Monday Qualifier on the Nationwide Tour. Likely the Lake Erie Charity Classic.

In closing, I wanted to say thank-you again for introducing me to this game. I love everything about it. From the challenge of the elements, to the ups and downs of emotions it brings out in me, or just the smell of freshly cut grass. I love nothing more than driving by a course at night with my windows rolled down and inhaling that smell as it mingles with dew. Truly an intoxicating smell and game. My wife says that I am addicted to this game, and it is definitely true. But as I say to her "I could be addicted to worse things".

Sincerely,

Alexander Toth

Legends of Golf

I never will forget following Mr. Palmer at Onion Creek in Austin when the Legends of Golf started. On one occasion he just had photo ops with several people, and was so gracious. (Those of us that were a little nervous of approaching "The King" were happy to just sit back and watch.) But one little girl did approach. She was about 6 years old. I couldn't tell what she said to Mr. Palmer as he bent down to listen but he smiled and held her hand as they walked to the next tee box. He had just let go of her hand and was about to bend under the rope when the little girl yelled, "Go get 'em Arnie". I thought Mr. Palmer was going to die laughing. The whole crowd went nuts laughing. Mr. Palmer was always my hero. If you had to select one word, it would be "class". That is why at age 59, I have the Wheaties box with Mr. Palmer on my desk for two reasons. To remember the good times watching the tournaments he played in, and to remind myself of how important class is.

Character, Honesty and Value

I've been an Arnie's Army fan most of my life. I have followed him since I pickup my first club. For years I've had his "Arnold Plamer A Personal Journey" and have read it several times. My "life dream" would be for him to sign my book. I grew up without a father, his books have taught me not only to be strong, but instill character, honesty and value in my life. For those things, I thank him.

Marvin C.
Allen, Texas

Seeing Arnie in Person

At a practice roound for the 1980 U.S. Open in Baltusrol, New Jersey, I was watching Arnie practice putting. When he finished he waved a couple of youngsters, that had been waiting to get his autograph, onto the putting green. I and a number of other people followed. I was actually shoulder-to shoulder with the him as I too tried to score a prized signature. Unfortunately, there were so many people that he never took my scorecard. Arnie has always been my, and my father's, favorite golfer and I remember that day quite fondly as the day I rubbed shoulders with the King of Golf.

- Gary C., NJ

A Fine Man and a Mason

Mr. Palmer-

I just wanted to let you know that I grew up with a great respect for
you, not only because my Dad followed your golf career before I was
born, but because you always impressed me as a true gentleman.

]]> I joined the Masons several years ago, and I had never been prouder to
learn at the House of the Temple in DC that you were a Brother, too. I
should have already known.

Thanks you for your example in this day of spoiled athletes. Your class
and generosity to everyone that meets you is not lost on this young man.

I only hope one day our paths may cross, and I will be able to shake
your hand as a Brother.

God bless,
John Craft, PM
Staunton Lodge #13
Staunton, VA

Happy Birthday Arnie!!!!!!!!

Arnie,
Thank you for the autographs that you always sign for me!!! Although, I would rather see you play!!! As a child I had no interest in golf because golf was too expensive for my family so I wish I saw you play in tournaments. I do remember seeing you on the Pennzoil commercials.. You have'nt changed. I was thrilled when you told me that you would be playing in Baltimore next week. I just bought my plane ticket.. Thank you again for your time and Happy Birthday!!!
Durl S.
Arizona, USA

My Golf Hero

I have always followed your career since I first started playing this great game in 1958. I bought my first set of matched clubs in 1965 being Arnold Palmer Dunlop clubs. I played with these until 1996 when I passed them on to a friend who was just starting out. They were the best clubs I have ever owned and you were my inspiration. I just wish I could get another set as good as they were. Anyway have a great 77th birthday on the 10th and I hope you have many more as you have done so much for this wonderful game that we play. Thank you so much.
Yours in Golf, Tony Pitcher.
Sydney, Australia

Arnie's Back-Nine Charge in GHO Nearly Results in Win

My earliest memory of Arnie was in 1962 at my great-aunt's house in New Haven where I sat with my Dad and some relatives to watch a "golf tournament" on a small black & white television. As the TV was turned on the announcer said ..."here comes Arnold Palmer the leader of this tournament". I looked up an saw a very strong looking man hitching up his pants as he walked up over the hill.

]]> As a six year old, Arnie and the game of golf made an great impression on me at the time. I continued to follow Arnie's career and his wins over with other great golfers for several years, up to the 1973 Bob Hope Desert Classic win. In probably July or August 1974, I purchased a ticket to the Greater Hartford Open and traveled by myself some 20 miles from my parents home in Waterbury to see Arnie perform in person...and Oh what a performance Arnie put on. He battled Bruce Devlin (the eventual winner) and Rick Massengale on the back nine at the Wethersfield CC making at least six birdies on the remaining nine holes only to lose the tournament by a stroke. What a thrill it was to see this great man make birdies from all over the green with the crowd roaring in its approval and joy over Arnie's classic charge. What also struck me was the personal contact I felt that day with Mr. Palmer. He made eye contact with me several times from the opening tee shot to the final green. He winked, smiled and glanced in my direction all day which gave me a great feeling that this superstar golfer was a real champion and a wonderful role model. The story does not end there but on the porch of the clubhouse. A massive throng of fans followed Arnie from the eighteenth green to the scorers tent and then up to the clubhouse and of course I was amongst them.
I really wanted Arnie's autograph, so following Arnie and the crowd I jumped up on the veranda just before Arnie was to enter the building and I held out a small piece of paper above the crowd and asked Arnie for a signature which he gladly provided with a wink. I thought my hero was a great man to do this with everything else that was going on around him with people pulling and pushing him. My day was complete and I've proudly shared this story with my children and others over the years.
Arnie has inspired me to play golf since I was nine years old and age 50 today I still maintain a 4 handicap at my club. I played high school and college golf and have taught my three children who are all outstanding junior golfers who I am certain someday will teach their children to golf...and relate the above story to them. I wished you many more happy birthdays Arnie...you are the heart and soul of golf and truly the people's pro.
Kindest regards
Bruce Carusillo, CPA

1970 PGA Southern Hills

I love telling this story and have told it probably hundreds of times in the 36 years since the PGA Championship was played at Tulsa's Southern Hills in 1970.
This particular feat by Arnold Palmer cemented, in my mind at least, his rightful place as the "trick shot artist" extraordinaire of his day, as he possessed an imagination and creativity for the game unmatched by anyone of any era (sorry Tiger).

]]> I don't recall the hole, but Mr. Palmer was in a bit of difficulty and in the rough this particular day of the tournament and, because of trees, had no shot at the green, probably 150 yards away. Believe what I say.....The man had NO shot, except to chip onto the fairway and take his lumps.
But, I was confused, as were other members of the "Army", when Mr. Palmer was taking his time deciding on a club and lining the ball up for what appeared to be a shot straight at the green.
I remember my exact thought at that moment: "What the hell is Arnie doing?" The trees were thick!
Well, what followed is but a tiny part of what has made Arnold Palmer synonomous with the game of golf and the game's premier icon.
I'm not sure I ever knew his club choice, but Mr. Palmer finally settled on a club and set up over the ball as though the trees didn't even exist!
I was standing arms folded directly behind when he took his trademark swing and sent the golf ball airborne.
The ball's flight path took it directly and perfectly through a small opening among the thick, leafy tree limbs and it settled softly onto the green.
Of course, you can imagine the roar from those of us in Arnie's Army.....once we caught our breaths, that is.
We tend to think of great, sharpshooting golfers as hitting targets on the fairways and greens, but how good are any of us at hitting a target in the sky?

John Conley
Bartlesville, Oklahoma

My Intro to Golf

Back in 1962 my mom remarried. Due to Asthma condition they decided to move from Miami, Florida to Los Angeles. Was mad at the time about a new "dad" and the brothers and sisters. The First 2 yrs did everything I could do to break them up. Then one day in June of 1962 my stepfather and I followed your progress. My step father thought you were the best on and off the course. We'll to make a long story short, he ask if I wanted to go play some golf with him. Now I look back and remember that day with great memories. Did my attitude do a 180 ? No, but from that moment on we grew closer and I went on to play on the High School Team. Still play at least once a week. Dont play when lightning, but in every other condition....LOL. Both my Stepfather and Mother(passed away last year). I sure miss them. But have wanted to write you this note about how much you've done for the game and my relationship with my 2nd Dad.

Sincerely,
Nick Balikes

2 Months Older

You are two months older than I am. I want to thank you for all the pleasure I have had watching you play.
You are true gentleman. You are the greatest role model in my life. You have made my life much more enjoyable.
Thank you,
Charles Wood