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September 23, 2005
1960 Insurance City Open
As co-chairman of the 1960 ICO Tournament, my co-chairman and I went to Akron to see if Arnie was going to attend our tournament in Wethersfield Conn. After looking everywhere we were standing outside the Clubhouse when we felt a strong arm around our sholders, with the following remark, "Hi guys, heard you were here, I will be playing, we'll be in touch." and with that he was gone.
With that simple statement, he made our tournament a success.
Arnie won the tournament in a sudden death playoff on the third hole, after coming from five holes behind on the last day.
There is only one Arnie, a great golfer, and a great person.
Mike Hollm
Posted by scurry at 11:30 AM
September 15, 2005
The first time that I saw my dad cry...
I was a student at the Golf Academy in 1999, when my class was asked to volunteer for the Bay Hill tournament. After the day of working in the main tent outside the clubhouse I went inside and saw a photo of the King crossing over the bridge at St. Andrews. The pro told me that Mr. Palmer would sign it if I bought it. So I bought one for my dad who loves him and asked Mr. Palmer to personalize it for my dad's b-day. He did and when I gave it to him, it was the first time that I saw my dad cry.....
Thanks Mr. Palmer.
Posted by scurry at 08:10 PM
A young little boy (Caddy) who met the BIG GUY...
It was the summer of 1960, and I was 11 yrs old and a caddy at Madison Golf & Country Club, in Madison, Ohio. My older brother was a caddy too and a good golfer, so he and his buddy got tickets to watch ARNOLD PALMER golf an exibition with two of our members and our club pro. I told him I was going to caddy that morning and see if I could see Mr. Palmer before leaving for the day.
Well after I caddied my morning round a friend of mine (Gary, the brother of our Club Pro) asked me if I wanted to help him caddy for Arnie.
Now I was about 4ft.5in., a freckle-faced, bucked-teethed boy with a polo-shirt and jeans, who thought that, next to Mickey Mantle, and my Dad, Arnold Palmer was the biggest thing in the world! Gary told me that I would need to do little things for him - like clean a golf ball or two, get water for him - things like that. So I said sure!!
The next thing I knew I was standing next to Arnold Palmers golf bag, that was almost as big as me, watchig them tee-off on the first hole. There was a creek that ran across the first fairway and I had never seen anyone drive their ball over the creek, but Mr. Palmer did it! So, after they had all driven their shots, they started walking down the fairway and so did I. In fact I was walking right next to ARNOLD PALMER! I looked up at him and said "Wow, I never saw someone drive over that creek!" And he looked down at me and just started to talk to me like I was a regular person.. Like we were friends.. (I get tears in my eyes when I think of that moment in my life.) He was warm and human. He made me feel like I had never felt before. This little kid, who was just a caddy, and not even his caddy (just a helper), and we were walking down the first fairway, with all of these people on both sides, and me and Arnold Palmer were just talking to each other.
Now there was the rest of the 18 holes to go and he made alot of good shots, but the one on the 14th hole, where he was behind a tree and told the crowd that he would try to shoot the ball through an opening in the tree to the green was the one I will always remember. He did what he said, but as the ball went through the opening of leaves it knicked a branch and landed about three feet from the hole.. I asked him if he planned to knick the branch and he winced with his eyes tight and and chuckled (meaning he had almost goofed). I understood exactly what that meant. I will never forget that day...
I always wanted to tell Mr. Palmer about what that day meant to me, so I hope he will get a chance to read this note. (Now I am now almost 57 Yrs old and only 5ft.7in.) But he made me feel like a big guy that day.
Thanks Mr. Palmer!...
Tom Lilly,
Posted by scurry at 08:06 PM
On Treating People
My story is not anything that any Mr. Palmer fan does not really know already about the class Mr. Palmer always exemplifies. I was fortunate enough to be a member at Bay Hill back in the mid 1990's. I was equally fortunate enough to be a member of the Shootout headed by Mr. Lee Havre.
I never was able to play with Mr. Palmer but I was so fortunate to be in many conversations and interactions with him. The consistent quality I tell everyone is that if you were not a golfer and did not know the name Arnold Palmer, you would think he was just another member of the group. If you had something to say, he would listen. Never once using his enormous clout to take advantage of anyone or anything. He just loved being around people who love golf.
Mainly because of my observing Mr.Palmer and the class he always displays, I have become very negative towards most modern day athletes. The lack of respect and gratefulness towards the average fan is a bit hard to stomach. Especially with the dollars many of them are making.
It is just wonderful a man like Mr. Palmer can not only teach us lessons on the field, but more importantly off the field. I will always cherish the time at Bay Hill and the lessons I learned from being around such a great man.
Sincerely,
John Jarosky
Posted by scurry at 08:00 PM
The Palmer Logo on a U-2 spyplane?
Dear Mr. Palmer,
Just a quick note to wish you a happy birthday on the 10th! We had a chance to meet several years ago at Bay Hill. The meeting was special for me because we had a chance to talk aviation and I had the opportunity to share some photos of my career flying the U-2 spyplane. You may recall the photos since the Palmer Logo appeared on the tail, purely out of admiration for you.
From a lifelong fan, please accept my best wishes for a great birthday. You continue to be an inspiration.
Most Sincerely,
Dan Sanders
Chief Executive Officer
United Supermarkets, Ltd.
Posted by scurry at 07:52 PM
It was almost as if he knew me...
I have been a fan of Mr Palmer for 43 years. As a boy of 11,my uncle took me to the Cleveland Open in 1963. We followed Arnold and I was just struck by his game and sportsmanship. He won the tournament over Tommy Aaron and the late Tony Lema in a playoff.
After the play was over,Arnold saw me standing at the ropes and shook my hand and patted me on the head. I became an instant fan. I have now followed him for 43 years and saw him play most recently at the US Senior Open in Dayton. It was almost as if he knew me. He shook my hand, but he did not pat my head.
He has been my idol in golf, and also as a human being.
Thanks,
Greg Barna
Marietta,GA
Posted by scurry at 07:48 PM
A Special Note
My father turned 81 this year, but it was his 80th that was so very special. Mr. Palmer was generous enough to send him a special note on that day. They had met at the Phx. Open in 1964, and this was an important time for my father. Turning 80 can bring about mixed feelings, so how appropriate to open a letter from his lifetime hero and fellow prostate cancer survivor. I also added a case of your 2002 wine from Northern California. He called me up and could barely get through the phone call. My Dad is the most important person in my life and it has always been difficult to get something for his birthday. I'm sure your kids can relate. So, to surprise him on that day was no small feat. I just wanted you to know how special you are to my family and to me.
I pray for your continued good health and best wishes on your upcoming birthday.
Sincerely,
David M. Simmons, son of James Pat Simmons
Posted by scurry at 07:44 PM
Arnold Palmer's Favorite Golf Holes
Arn,
I believe it was the early 70's, you were hosting a Television program called, I believe, "Arnold Palmer's Favorite Golf Holes".
If you recall, you would play a hole with a guest.
One day you had your father as your guest player. I believe you hit this particular par three safely, but your dad was on the other side of the green, about an acre away fron the cup. Well, as you may recall, your Dad holed it for a bird leaving you with a mediocre par.
The part I remember well, and got the biggest kick out of was the look on his face when it went in. He had this "Of course it went in, that's what I was trying to do!" I also felt that he was thinking, "Of course I outplayed Arnold. I'm his Dad."
Thanks,
B. Linderman
Posted by scurry at 07:42 PM
Happy Birthday, Arn!
Happy Birthday Arnie!!
76 what a number! So many years of great achievements. My name is Tuck Ryan. I live in Lancaster, PA. My grandparents live in Pittsburg, about 50 miles away from where you were born. I think you are a great golfer. You are my favorite golfer. Congratulations on your granddaughter's wedding, Arnie!
Well, I guess that sums it up. Happy Birthday, Arn!
Yours truly,
Tuck Ryan
Posted by scurry at 07:39 PM
How about that finish on the 17th and 18th at laurel valley??!!
dear arnold,
very happy birthday and many, many more! i still love to watch you play. how about that finish on the 17th and 18th at laurel valley!!
all the very best-you can't have a bigger fan than me.
bill raymond
Posted by scurry at 07:37 PM
Dealing with People
My biggest thrill was to meet Arnold Palmer while serving as a driving range volunteer at the Senior Open at Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C. I got my picture made with him, got it quickly developed, and the next day he autographed it. Mr. Palmer treated each of us volunteers with genuine interest and appreciation. It was a great lesson about dealing with people that I have tried to follow in golf and in life.
Thank you, Mr. Palmer!
Rod C.
Ashland, VA
Posted by scurry at 07:34 PM
My golfing buddies call me Arnie, because my name is Palmer
Dear Arnie,
My caddie mates used to call me "Sam". That was before you appeared on the tour scene. Now, my golfing buddies call me Arnie, because my name is Palmer. A fine old name. My English ancestor, Walter Palmer arrived in Salem, MA in 1629, along with other relatives about the same time. Because our facial features are pretty close, I have often wondered if we were somewhat related. I notice that our dad descended from Quaker stock. My folks were more of a Congregational bent. I have followed you on the course a few times, twice in Hawaii '67-'69 timeframe, when I was a Navy pilot in a patrol squadron. Being an avid golfer, although not very talented, I have admired your career.
Best wishes for many more Happy Birthdays.
Sincerely,
Bill Palmer
Posted by scurry at 07:03 PM
Arnold, Your 82 is Like a 62 to Me
Arnold, your 82 is like a 62 to me. Play forever if you can, I love to see you play.
Happy Birthday!
Enjoy!
Tim S.
Posted by scurry at 06:50 PM
Mr. Palmer's Toro Tractor
Mr. Palmer. Hi. my name is Sabrina and my dad I do believe has a tractor you once own. We would really like to know alittle of the history of it or if you do at one time own it. It is a 1954 toro general has arnie on it and it also says this is where arnie got his start. It is a nice looking red tractor and is in wonderful shape. Is there any thing that you know on this tractor? It came from Kissimmee, Florida. Please email us about this, it is a real treasure to us. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Sabrina H.
Thank you for your email. Mr. Palmer only had one Toro tractor. Mr. Palmer’s tractor was a 1947 Series 3 Toro. Had this been a tractor from the 20’s, then it might have been one his father used. That was a 1922 Fordson with the steel wheels.
Posted by scurry at 06:03 PM
September 08, 2005
Happy Birthday & Anniversary
Hi Arnold!
On the eve of this years Canadian Open I would like to thank you for the many happy memories you & the game of golf have offered me over the last 50 years.
Your Canadian Open win at Lambton Golf Club in 1955 got me interested in the game. I caddied during my teenage years at the Islignton Golf Club, just a few miles south of Lambton G.C., and later worked in the Pro Shop under Les Franks - CPGA pro.
To use one of your many phrases- I would hit some good shots & some not to good shots. The trouble was I would hit more of the not so good shots. I still love the game, to tee it up, hit it hard & enjoy the walk.
Arnold, have a great birthday & thanks for the memories.
Len V.
PS: I let my daughter read this email. She said she knows who Arnold Palmer is because I always talked about you. She also said the only other golfers she knows are the ones on Tiger Woods Golf computer game.
Posted by scurry at 08:11 PM
September 04, 2005
3M Championship Meeting
Arnold Palmer has "long" been a hero to this 25-year-old fan. Despite my rather brief history of golf enjoyment and fan-dom, Arnold has always been my favorite. His writings and videos have been some of the greatest inspirations to this aspiring young golfer. Can you imagine how much more I liked him when I discovered that he and I share the same birthday (although quite a few years apart)? :-)
Today, while attending the Coldwell Banker Burnet Pro-Am at TPC Twin Cities, I was treated to the rare opportunity to watch my favorite golfer playing live. Of course, part of the thrill for me was seeing him play one of the very courses he's designed!
After he teed off on the seventh hole, I noticed that he slipped into the cart with his caddy that happened to be parked just behind me. He waited there for the amateurs he was partnered with to tee off. This provided me the golden opportunity to walk over and enjoy this brief exchange (as best as I remember it):
"Mr. Palmer?"
"Yes?"
"Your birthday is September tenth is it not?"
"Yes."
"As is mine! It's a little early, but happy birthday."
[At this, he reached out his hand to match mine for a handshake.]
"Happy birthday," he replied back.
"Thank you," I said while shaking his hand and then added, "God bless you sir."
That was about all there was time for, but I enjoyed every last second of it.
I have never before had the privilege of meeting anyone who shared my birthday, and now the first I've "met" is Arnie himself.
Thank you, Mr. Palmer, for this kind act toward one of your fans. You're one of the greatest ever and I'm privileged to share this memory--and the same birthday--with you.
Posted by scurry at 08:04 PM
September 01, 2005
I Named My Child Palmer!
Not that I'm obsessed with golf, but I have 2 young boys and have named them Nicklaus and Palmer. I always thought it would be great for the kids to have an autograph of each of the players for when they get older. So a couple of years ago Arnie was playing in the Cincinnati area at a course he designed, the TPC at Riverbend. The Kroger Classic. So I watched and tried to figure out how to get his attention. I have never gotten an autograph from anyone before so I didn't really know how to go about it. I finally saw a spot where all the players carts parked on this particular hole (#9), and decided that I would sit there and wait until Arnie finished the hole and was getting in his cart and ask him to autograph a picture for my son Palmer. Well as luck would have it, it wasn't one of Arnie's better holes. He had put one in the water and had 3-putted to make things worse. I could see steam coming out of his ears as he walked toward me and the cart. He flopped down in the seat and looked right at me and said "I wonder if I can just quit right now?" I replied, "No sir, there are still 9 holes left!" He looked at his caddie and said "lets get on to number 10 then!" I didn't have the heart to ask him to sign the photo after the bad hole, but enjoyed the chance to talk to him personally, if only in passing. He showed his sense of humor even when he was having a bad day! I guess that's why he is the fan favorite! I am proud to have my 2 year old named after him, and maybe someday will figure out a way for them to meet or at least get that photo signed!
Posted by scurry at 05:50 PM