Tales from the Ranks
« Memories of a Lifetime |
Main
| A Legendary Sidetrip »
Mr. Palmer and President George Herbert Walker Bush at Bay Hill
If memory serves, in March 1997, my wife and I visited the Bay Hill Club to catch a glimpse of my hero, Mr. Palmer. As we walked toward the front door, I spotted a golf cart with a "Palmer" bag on the driver's side and several loose clubs on the passenger side. My pulse raced. I told my wife that that was Arnie's cart and clubs. She asked how I knew. I told her the oversize Lamkin leather wrapped grips were a dead give away.
We entered the Pro Shop and to my surprise the Assistant Pro behind the counter was Brian Dorn (sp), formerly an Assistant Pro at the Naval Academy Golf Club where I played when I lived in Annapolis. Minutes later, as my wife and I were shopping in the pro shop, I noticed a group of men in black suits spread around the outside of the club and Pro Shop. Mr. Palmer then walked into the Pro Shop and ten steps in trail was former President George Herbert Walker Bush. Mr. Palmer, ever thoughtful, had escorted President Bush into the Pro Shop so that he could introduce his Assistant Professionals to the former President of the United States. Both Mr. Palmer and President Bush spread greetings to all in the Pro Shop and then departed.
Having followed Mr. Palmer at numerous USGA, PGA and Senior Tour events over the years, this struck me as just another example of his thoughtful consideration, directed this time not just to his fans, but to those in his employ.
Posted by scurry at January 31, 2006 07:48 PM