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April 29, 2009
HOUSE PASSES BACA LEGISLATION HONORING ARNOLD PALMER
Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to Golfing Legend
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf, and was passed in the House by a 422 to 1 vote.
“Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers,” said Rep. Baca. “He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American. He has served his country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has spent countless hours dedicated to philanthropy and improving the lives of others. I thank my colleagues for joining me in support of this legislation granting Congressional recognition on the life and achievements of Arnold Palmer.”
“I have had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer,” added Rep. Baca. “My son, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., was also in attendance. Walking those eighteen holes with Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only is he a golf legend, but he also is a genuine person with a great sense of humor.”
Arnold Palmer’s magnetic personality and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. He has been the recipient of countless honors including virtually every national award in golf and both the Hickok Athlete of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year awards. In addition, he was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll.
Through his charitable foundation, Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including nature conservation, cancer prevention, and women’s and children’s health. He has also founded both the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida.
“I truly believe that Arnold Palmer is deserving of this honor,” continued Rep. Baca. “But it’s not just about his success on the links – although as a competitive golfer myself I certainly respect his athletic talent and winning results. However, Arnold also has contributed significantly to American society and culture and is an outstanding role model, especially for young people.”
“His legions of fans have often been called ‘Arnie’s Army’,” concluded Rep. Baca. “After today, he can now call it ‘Arnie’s Congressional Army’! Long live his legacy.”
Arnold Palmer has had great success in the business world, forming the Arnold Palmer Design company. With his unfailing personality he has almost single-handedly brought golf out of the elite country clubs and into the consciousness of mainstream America. He is also know for one of his favorite drinks, a combination of half iced tea and half lemonade, a drink which is often referred to as an "Arnold Palmer" in his honor.
Palmer served his country for 3 years in the United States Coast Guard and was among those chosen to address the Joint Session of Congress on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Rep. Baca first introduced legislation to award Arnold Palmer the Congressional Gold Medal in 2002.
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Posted by scurry at 02:14 PM
April 28, 2009
Arnold Palmer to Present Winnie Palmer Award To Aide Doc Giffin at Met Golf Writers Dinner
Golf legend Arnold Palmer will present the Winnie Palmer Award to his long-time assistant Doc Giffin at the 2009 Metropolitan Golf Writers Association’s 58th National Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 16, at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Louise Suggs, the Hall of Fame LPGA great, will receive the MGWA’s Gold Tee Award; Rolex the Bing Crosby Tournament Sponsor Award and Gene Westmoreland, Met Golf Association executive, the Distinguished Service Award at the annual dinner.
The MGWA established the Winnie Palmer Award in 2000 in honor of Palmer’s late wife, who devoted much of her life to charity work for literacy programs and health care. The accolade acknowledges individuals who have consistently given their time, energy and enthusiasm for the less fortunate. Over the last 20 years, the Palmer family has been heavily involved in the establishment of hospital facilities for mothers, children and babies that are incorporated into the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida.
“Winnie’s life-long dedication to philanthropy and caring for people is something that I always admired and learned from,” said Giffin, Palmer’s personal assistant for the last 43 years. “I am particularly honored to receive this award in her name.”
Palmer last attended what has been called “golf’s social event of the year” in 2001, when he received the association’s Golden Anniversary Award with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Palmer also earned the MGWA’s highest honor, the Gold Tee Award, in 1965 for career achievements that exemplify the best spirit and traditions of the sport of golf.
The MGWA’s National Awards Dinner is the largest (and longest running) golf dinner held annually in the U.S. All of golf’s governing bodies actively support the dinner—the USGA, PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, the LPGA—and some 700 industry leaders and local golfers attend. Proceeds from the dinner are distributed to three Metropolitan area caddie scholarship programs and the MGA Foundation. More than $950,000 has been raised over the years for charitable endeavors.
Golf fans are encouraged to attend this popular event and join Arnold and Doc for a night of celebrating the spirit of golf and philanthropy. For advance ticket reservations or additional information, please contact Kate Keller at (914) 347-4653. Tickets also may be obtained online at www.metgolfwriters.org.
Posted by scurry at 04:06 PM
April 22, 2009
PALMER HONORED BY SELECTION INTO THE FIRST SOUTHERN CONFERENCE HALL OF FAME
This May 4 marks the date of the first Southern Conference’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
Eight of the 10 inductees will be present for the event. Unfortunately, Arnold Palmer (Wake Forest) had a previous commitment and has taped a video message which will be played for those in attendance.
Inductees that will be in attendance are Megan Dunigan (Furman), Dick Groat (Duke), Sam Huff (West Virginia), Melissa Morrison Howard (Appalachian State), Adrian Peterson (George Southern), Frank Selvy (Furman), Jerry West (West Virginia) and Valorie Whiteside (Appalachian State). The relatives of the late Charlie Justice (North Carolina) will be present to accept the honor on his behalf.
Palmer attended Wake Forest from 1948-50 and 1953-54. He was the NCAA medalist for stroke play in 1949 and 1950. He captured the Southern Conference individual championship in 1948 and 1949 and was runner-up in 1950, the same season Wake Forest won the conference championships.
About the Southern Conference
The Southern Conference, in its 88th season of intercollegiate competition, is the national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete and helping build lifelong leaders and role models. The conference has been on the forefront of innovation and originality in developing creative solutions to address issues facing intercollegiate athletics. From establishing the first conference basketball tournament (1921), tackling the issues of freshman eligibility (1922), developing women’s championships (1984) to becoming the first conference to install the three-point goal in basketball (1980), the Southern Conference has been a pioneer. The Souther Conference is the nation’s fifth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association.
For more information on The Southern Conference please visit www.soconsports.com.
Posted by scurry at 03:39 PM
April 17, 2009
Palmer Supports Stephens Charity Tournament
Arnold Palmer will co-headline the annual Jackson T. Stephens Charitable Golf Tournament in Little Rock Arkansas with Phil Mickelson. Scheduled for April 20 at the Alotian Club in Roland, the tournament benefits Arkansas charities supported by the late Jack Stephens, former chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.
On Monday, Palmer will attend a dinner where he will speak for a short time before opening the floor for a question-and-answer session. Tuesday he will be present for photos with charity supporters.
The tournament has raised more than $3 million dollars by individuals and companies invited to participate in the fundraiser since it's inception in 2006. First Tee program in Little Rock and Fort Smith, and the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock are among the charities that benefit from the tournament. Jack's son, Warren, is expected to present Palmer with a generous check to go to one of his own charities that he designates.
"I'm glad to support this event. I came to Little Rock in 2001 to support Jack Stephens when his namesake First Tee Golf Academy was dedicated. Furthering the sport of golf and supporting the First Tee is something I proud to be a part of." said Palmer.
Posted by scurry at 04:29 PM
April 01, 2009
PALMER HEADS TO THE MASTERS
Arnold Palmer’s string of consecutive playing appearances in the Masters Tournament ended at 50 when he competed for a final time in the 2004 championship, but Arnold Palmer will be in Augusta, Georgia, again this April, a stop he has made every year since 1955.
As he did last year, Palmer will go to Augusta Tuesday, April 7, to attend the Champions Dinner that evening in the historic Augusta National clubhouse. Trevor Immelman, the defending champion, hosts the dinner, at which virtually all of the living former winners of the classic event, playing or non-playing, will gather.
On Wednesday, April 8, the “Big 3” reunites for the annual Par 3 Contest where Palmer joins Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for a 3:05 tee time. First played in 1960 and won that year by Sam Snead, the Par 3 Contest has become a Wednesday tradition at the Masters. Tournament participants, non-competing past champions, and Honorary Invitees are invited to participate in the Contest. Palmer won the Par 3 Contest in 1967 in a playoff. The event will be televised on ESPN.
Palmer serves as the Honorary Starter on Thursday, April 9. Palmer will be just the sixth person to serve as Honorary Starter in the long history of the Masters, which began in 1934. Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod inaugurated the role in 1963. Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen took over in 1981 and Ken Venturi filled in for Nelson in 1983. Sam Snead joined Nelson and Sarazen in 1984. The position was vacant since Snead died following the 2002 Masters until the 2007 event when Palmer assumed the role for the first time.
"As you know, Augusta is one of my favorite places and the Masters has meant so much to me personally throughout my career. I have always been treated so warmly there by the patrons. I hope in some way I can show my gratitude to the fans who have followed and supported me these many years” said Palmer.
Posted by scurry at 05:19 PM