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February 13, 2006
Arnie at the British Open 1977
On the first day of the 1977 British Open, Arnie was playing with Neils Cole and Henry Cotton in the early morning at Turnbury. I was one of the few fans following the group. After a couple of holes, Arnie came over to say hello. He asked about me, and was very appreciative when I said I was in the US Air Force stationed in England. Over the remaining holes, Arnie came over and spoke with me a number of times about all kinds of things. As Arnie was already my hero and had been for years, this day was one of the most memorable in my life. Arnie was very courteous, friendly, and a joy to be with, as I knew he would be. Thank you Arnie for that day, all the ones before, and all the ones since.
CMSgt John T. Lopes, USAF, Retired
San Antonio, Texas
Posted by scurry at 03:32 PM
February 02, 2006
A Legendary Sidetrip
Last summer, on the way back from Washington D.C. to Buffalo , New York, I decided to take a little sidetrip. I had read that Arnold Palmer spends his summers in Latrobe, Pa. I knew all about Latrobe from reading several books about Mr. Palmer. My wife and two daughters were with me as we drove up the drive to beautiful Latrobe Country Club. They waited in the car as I walked over to the Pro Shop. On the way to the Pro Shop I saw a golf cart next to the main building. There were two sets of Callaway Golf Clubs in Arnold Palmer golf bags. I said "He must be here." I bought a Latrobe Country Club golf ball and hat. I asked the Assistant Pro if Mr. Palmer was on the grounds and he said yes. He said he will probably be coming out of the restaurant shortly, but don't tell him I told you. I waited near his cart anxiously. After about ten minutes Arnold Palmer emerged by himself and started to get into his cart. I was about ten yards away. I wasn't sure what to do. I figured it's now or never. I said excuse me Mr. Palmer, as I walked toward him. I think I surprised him a little bit. I shook his hand told him what a great fan I was since I was young and that my father was born and recently buried in Brockway, Pa. He said he knew where it was . I did most of the talking, probably a little nervously. He looked great,fit and was very nice. I asked him if he would autograph the hat personally that I bought in the Pro Shop and he took out his Sharpy and wrote on my visor. "To Steve, Best Wishes, Arnold Palmer". We shook hands and he drove off in his cart. I couldn't believe I just met Arnold Palmer one on one at Latrobe Country Club. My feet never left the ground as I walked back to the van. My wife said I had one huge grin and she knew before I told her that I had met Arnold Palmer. I got into the van and showed my cap. What a side trip, what a day.
Posted by scurry at 01:53 AM