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September 30, 2009
PALMER RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today at 1:30pm, Arnold Palmer will stop at the White House where President Barack Obama will sign into law The Congressional Gold Medal honoring the golf legend.
Photo Credit: White House/Samantha Appleton
President Barack Obama signs the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. Looking on from left are: Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, Arnold Palmer, Mrs. Kathleen Palmer, Rep. John Tanner of Tennessee, Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado, Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and Rep. Joe Baca of California (at front). Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton.
The award will make Palmer the first sports person in history to receive all 3 of the United States highest civilian honors including the National Sports Award from former President Bill Clinton in 1993 (a one-time award) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President George W. Bush in 2004.
"I don't know that I've done anything to deserve it, but I accept," Mr. Palmer said yesterday from his office at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla. "That's pretty fantastic."
The Congressional Gold Medal was first given to George Washington in 1776 and to 141 exemplary Americans since. "I didn't know George Washington," Palmer said with a grin. "But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, 'You're the first, and I won't be the last.'"
Palmer will become the fifth athlete to receive the honor from Congress, which is considered the highest expression of national appreciation for achievements and contributions. Byron Nelson is the only other golfer to receive the medal, which was given posthumously in 2006.
The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-California) and first passed the House of Representatives in April and was unanimously passed by the Senate on Palmer's 80th birthday on September 10th. U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., who lives in Orlando, sponsored the Senate bill nominating Mr. Palmer for the medal. Such bills must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the House and 67 in the Senate before even being considered in the respective chambers.
"Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers," said Rep. Baca. "Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others."
Arnold Palmer's charismatic personality, swashbuckling style of golf and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. Palmer and his late wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention and women's and children's health. He has founded the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located, which celebrated it's 20th anniversary on its namesakes' birthday this year.
Adding to the historical significance, one year later to this day, Coast Guardsman vet Palmer received the prestigious Lone Sailor Award in Washington by the U.S. Navy Memorial to Sea Service veterans "who have excelled with distinction at their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment." Palmer told the crowd, "Those three words are what life is all about as far as I'm concerned."
"It's pretty good stuff," Palmer said. "Quite overwhelming."
Posted by scurry at 12:28 PM
September 25, 2009
ARNOLD PALMER AND ARNOLD PALMER ENTERPRISES RENEW JACOBSEN CONTRACT THROUGH 2014
Properties remain exclusively maintained with Jacobsen turf equipment
Charlotte, N.C. (Sept. 25, 2009) — Golf legend Arnold Palmer and Arnold Palmer Enterprises have renewed their exclusive turf maintenance agreement with Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) Company, through 2014.
The agreement covers the renowned Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the Arnold Palmer Design Company (APDC) properties in Orlando, Fl., along with the Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pa. As a result of the renewed agreement, Jacobsen will be offering competitive terms on all products supplied to APDC clients, ensuring that their courses are maintained to the peak of perfection.
“I am very proud of my long-standing
association with the Textron family of
companies — Jacobsen, E-Z-GO and Cessna,”
Palmer said. “I have enjoyed working with the
various companies for many years and remain
a Textron fan because of the unmatched
innovation and quality of its equipment as
well as top-notch service. All of those
qualities are extremely important to me when
I purchase equipment or make
recommendations to my golf course design
clients and no one does it better.”
The 18 holes of the combined Challenger and
Champion courses at the Bay Hill Club and
Lodge play 7,205 yards with a par of 72. The
course has a rating is 75.1, a slope rating of
139, and features beautifully maintained
Bermuda grass. Designed by Dick Wilson and
Arnold Palmer, the Challenger-Champion golf
course opened in 1963, and is showcased each
spring during the Arnold Palmer Invitational,
one of the most popular stops for the PGA
TOUR®.
The 6,407 yard, par 72 Latrobe course at the
Latrobe Country Club was designed by Emil
Loeffler, John McGlynn and James G.
Harrison, opening in 1922. It is located 40
miles east of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the scenic
Laurel Highlands. The course rating is 72.4
with a slope rating of 138. Palmer’s father
worked at the club during the construction
phase and became the course superintendent
in 1926 and the club professional in 1931.
Today, the club is managed by Palmer’s
younger brother, Jerry.
E-Z-GO, also a Textron Inc. Company, has an
exclusivity agreement with Arnold Palmer
Enterprises as well and supplies each of these
facilities with golf cars. Palmer’s preference
for Textron manufacturing goes beyond his
love of the game of golf. He also flies high in
the sky with his Cessna Citation X, which he
still pilots at the age of 80.
About Jacobsen
Jacobsen manufactures an extensive range of turf maintenance equipment and utility
vehicles to meet the needs of today’s grounds care professionals. Jacobsen provides
dedicated support and service training and conducts thorough testing for quality and
reliability. The company markets Jacobsen products in the U.S. and internationally
through an extensive distribution network and the Ransomes brand through independent
distribution in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Oceania and South
America. Jacobsen, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Textron company. Additional
information about the company, its products and commitment to customer support is
available at www.Jacobsen.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft,
defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions
and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell
Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee,
and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Posted by scurry at 04:14 PM
September 23, 2009
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando: Fit for a king
Courtesy of GolfChannel.com
By
WorldGolf.com
Posted: September 22, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer will forever be intimately linked to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
And that, perhaps, is the best indicator of how special this private southwest Orlando golf course really is. Marketing executives couldn't dream up a better pair of icons to be associated with their course.
Palmer has long served as the face of Bay Hill, bringing his Arnold Palmer Invitational to Florida every year since 1979. The course's daily afternoon shootout, sometimes with Palmer in the game, has become the stuff of legend. Woods is linked to Bay Hill for one reason: how thoroughly he has dominated the Invitational, winning a record six times, including a PGA Tour-record-tying four times in a row from 2000 to 2003.
Bay Hill General Manager Ray Easler calls the Woods-Palmer connection to Bay Hill "an incredible marriage."
Bay Hill is one of the toughest courses on Tour, one of the reasons why Tiger Woods has won a record six times here.
"It seems to be fate that the two are tied together," Easler said. "Tiger only lives a mile and a half away. He plays with us every year. You have the new legend coming about next to the living legend."
Past champions of the Invitational reads like a hall-of-fame banquet: Ernie Els (1998), Phil Mickelson (1997), Ben Crenshaw (1993), Fred Couples (1992), Tom Kite (1989), Payne Stewart (1987) and Fuzzy Zoeller (1985), to name a few.
Only Doral Golf Resort and Spa's Blue Monster has hosted a pro tournament longer than Bay Hill. The 7,157-yard course continues to stand up to the world's best players and put on a show while doing so. The 31st annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard had a new slot on the PGA Tour calendar this past March, just two weeks before the Masters. And for the second consecutive year, Woods won with a dramatic birdie putt on the 72nd and final hole.
"I like the new dates, and it could make our field stronger, although we've always enjoyed having great fields," Palmer, winner of 62 PGA Tour titles, including seven majors, told PGATour.com.
Nothing's easy at Bay Hill
To keep up with today's long bombers, Bay Hill, designed by the venerable Dick Wilson in 1961, converted in 2007 to a par-70 layout for the tournament with two member par 5s playing as par 4s.
Playing the 27 holes of Bay Hill without a tour card requires an invitation from a member or a stay in its 64-room lodge. The added expense of spending the night is well worth the chance to tee it up at a place so steeped in history. Tennis courts, a health club, a luxury spa and the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy make Bay Hill feel more like a resort getaway than just a private club.
The layout itself has a few pedestrian Florida holes, where the typical bunkers and water hazards await. But they are offset by several stunners that confound even the world's best.
The 558-yard sixth hole bends boomerang-style around a massive pond. John Daly hit six consecutive tee shots into the water for an 18 in 1998. It was a "Tin Cup" moment in real life, showcasing how tempting it is to cut off too much of the corner.
The property has just enough humps and ridges to create several semi-blind tee shots, notably the par-5 12th and par-4 15th. Playing the proper angle off the tee on many holes could be the difference of at least two strokes.
The golf course's finish garners more than its share of the TV coverage for the simple reason that people love carnage. A train wreck is possible on any of the final three holes. The 517-yard, par-5 16th now plays as a nasty par 4, forcing players to carry the water hazard in front on their second shot or risk being called a wimp in the locker room. The skinny green on the 219-yard 17th is hard to hit and hold.
And we've all witnessed the destructive charms of the 18th hole. Years ago, Palmer himself transformed a weak par 5 into a stout par 4 of 441 yards with a hook-shaped green tucked behind the rock-lined "Devil's Bathtub," a pond that has rinsed the likes of Vijay Singh and others.
Who can forget Woods' rousing birdie putt, and subsequent fist-pump, on the green to capture the 2008 tournament? Not to be outdone, Robert Gamez holed a 7-iron from 176 yards for an eagle to beat Greg Norman by one in 1990. A plaque in the fairway still marks the accomplishment.
It's a fitting finish to a course fit for a King - Arnold Palmer himself.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge: The verdict
Easler considers Bay Hill a classic golf course that the pros love to play before The Masters.
"It really hasn't changed an enormous amount the last 40 years," he said. "A lot of the newer courses are designed for longer hitters. Bay Hill is suited to shotmakers. That is Mr. Palmer's style. Also, the way we set it up is along the lines of Augusta. We are the tuneup for Augusta. We have long rough and fast greens."
Playing where the pros play is no marketing sham. It's a thrill to tee it up at PGA Tour stops, especially dynamic layouts like Bay Hill. The course features arguably the second-best three-hole finish in Florida (behind the TPC of Sawgrass Stadium course). The chance to run into "Mr. Palmer" and shake his hand just adds to the allure.
Posted by scurry at 04:53 PM
September 22, 2009
PALMER DESIGNED COURSES DOT GOLF DIGEST'S TOP 75 GOLF RESORTS 2009
Golf Digest magazine's biannual feature, "The 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America," published in the October 2009 issue, cites eight Arnold Palmer designed resorts amongst the prestigious list.
In the number one spot sits Pebble Beach, which has been at the top of the last three of four rankings in what is considered by many as one of the most definitive rankings in golf. Ratings are based on Golf Digest's 900 plus course ranking panelists who score the resorts and courses.
Arnold Palmer and his design company recently gave Pebble Beach a small facelift, which lengthened the legendary course to 7,014 yds, for the upcoming fifth hosting of the U.S. Open Championship in June 2010. To read more about the changes visit the Kingdom Magazine Issue 14 article Pebble Beach.
Also making the list is Palmer's home course, the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL, home of PGA Tour event the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. The recent renovations to Palmer's classic course were implemented with his expert vision throughout the entire process. For more information about the changes to Bay Hill please read Palmer and His Design Company Renovate Bay Hill Course.
Arnold Palmer Design Company golf resorts that made the list:
-
1. PEBBLE BEACH RESORT/INN AT SPANISH BAY (3)*
Score: 89.17 Contact & Directions: pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300 Room Rate:** $595 New & Notable: Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble has been strengthened and lengthened to more than 7,000 yards. At $495, the green fee is stratospheric -- but check its website for money-saving packages.
-
18. THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY (CALIF.) (28)
Score: 78.77 Contact & Directions: ritzcarlton.com, 650-712-7000 Room Rate: $419 New & Notable: Arthur Hills' super-scenic Ocean Course is being groomed to accept links-style run-up shots. This project concludes before the end of the year. The second course is an Arnold Palmer design.
- T-38. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AVIARA (44)
Carlsbad, Calif. Score: 72.67 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 760-603-6800 Room Rate: $395 New & Notable: Greenside bunkers are filled with high-quality silica sand, and the redesigned Aviara clubhouse opened in December, completing the resort's modernization project.
-
49. BARTON CREEK (47)
Austin Score: 70.91 Contact & Directions: bartoncreek.com, 800-336-6158 Room Rate: $210 New & Notable: Fazio Canyons, one of two Tom Fazio courses at the resort, was the site of U.S. Open local qualifying. Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore designed the other two courses.
-
55. RESORT SEMIAHMOO (NR)
Blaine, Wash. Score: 69.71 Contact & Directions: semiahmoo.com, 800-770-7992 Room Rate: $149 New & Notable: Loomis Trail was the site of the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship in May, and tee boxes on Arnold Palmer's Semiahmoo course have been reconstructed and enlarged.
- 56. LA QUINTA (CALIF.) RESORT& CLUB/PGA WEST (42)
Score: 69.69 Contact & Directions:laquintaresort.com, 760-564-4111 Room Rate: $199 New & Notable: Three courses (out of five) have been updated: new GPS systems, bunkers and tee boxes at the Stadium and Nicklaus courses and a few new greens on the Mountain.
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58. TURTLE BAY RESORT (64) Oahu, Hawaii Score: 69.29 Contact & Directions: turtlebayresort.com, 808-293-6000 Room Rate: $371 New & Notable: The practice area at the George Fazio Course has more than doubled to 16,000 square feet to accommodate more golfers. The Palmer Course's range is even bigger.
-
69. BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE (74)
Orlando Score: 67.74 Contact & Directions: bayhill.com, 888-422-9445 Room Rate: $225 New & Notable: Home to Arnold Palmer and his popular PGA Tour stop, the course is getting a $2 million upgrade (tees, greens and bunkers) to be completed Oct. 1.
Posted by scurry at 05:16 PM
September 17, 2009
USA TODAY: Palmer's grandson set to tee it up, begin quest
By Jerry Potter, USA TODAY
When Sam Saunders realized in middle school that he was going to be too short and too slow for basketball, he turned to golf.
Lots of youngsters do that, but Saunders has a unique connection to the game: He's Arnold Palmer's grandson.
READ THE FULL STORY
Posted by scurry at 12:59 PM
September 14, 2009
PGA Historical Center unveils new PGA Championship, Arnold Palmer and PGA Cup exhibits
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - The PGA Historical Center, in Port St. Lucie, Fla., is continuing a year-long series of special displays that pay tribute to the defining moments, people and Championships in the grand history of The PGA of America. This month, the golf museum celebrates the dramatic happenings at the 91st PGA Championship last month in Minnesota ... pays tribute to The King ... and looks ahead to the premier international team event for PGA Club Professionals.
The 91st PGA Championship, "The Season's Final Major, Glory's Last Shot," came down to a memorable head-to-head battle between Tiger Woods and Y.E. Yang, with Yang outplaying Woods to become the first Asian-born male to win a major golf Championship. A new display at the PGA Historical Center includes Yang's final-round scorecard, a signed Official Journal by the new PGA Champion, a Contestant's money clip and compelling images from the thrilling final round at Hazeltine National Golf Club.
Golf enthusiasts also can help celebrate the 80th birthday of Arnold Palmer, The King himself, through an enlarged copy of reminisces from his fellow PGA Professionals that appear as a two-page spread in the September issue of PGA Magazine.
Visitors will also enjoy a sneak peek at the 24th PGA Cup. Utilizing the same format as the Ryder Cup, 10-man teams from the United States and Great Britain & Ireland compete from Sept. 18-20, at beautiful Loch Lomond, Scotland, as the U.S. Team of PGA Professionals vies to capture yet another premier international golf event.
This year's rotating displays at the PGA Historical Center have already included Black History Month in February; and previews for the Senior PGA Championship in May, the PGA Professional National Championship in June and the PGA Championship in August. In October, there will be a new exhibit that previews the 27th PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Other displays recently unveiled at the PGA Historical Center include the actual Ryder Cup trophy that was captured by the United States over Europe last September at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., along with tributes to the 10 PGA Honorary Members and five-time PGA Champion Walter Hagen. Items related to the final round of 2009 Senior PGA Champion Michael Allen's victory earlier this year – his shirt, visor and sand wedge, and the official scorecard – are also on display.
The PGA Historical Center is open to the public, and admission is free. Museum hours have been extended to Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Christmas Eve; and daily from Dec. 26-Easter. Researchers may access the facility during off-hours by appointment. Please visit pgavillage.com/stlucie or call 800-800-GOLF (4653) for more information.
About PGA Village
The Ryder Course, Wanamaker Course and Dye Course form a trio of world-class public courses at the PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the "75 Best Golf Resorts in North America," PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance (formerly the PGA Learning Center) and PGA Historical Center golf museum. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier daily fee facilities in America, and to serve as a home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit pgavillage.com.
About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
Posted by scurry at 03:37 PM
September 10, 2009
SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER
Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to Golfing Legend, Awaits President’s Signature into Law
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate 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. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.
“Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers,” said Rep. Baca. “Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others.”
“Arnold Palmer served his country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has spent countless hours dedicated to improving the lives of others,” continued Rep. Baca. “He and his beloved wife Winnie did amazing work for numerous charities, including the March of Dimes, children’s hospitals, and prostate cancer research. Arnold is a humble man who loved his children and family, and never forgot where he came from. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for honoring a legend who has given so much, and I urge the President to quickly sign this recognition into law.”
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. He was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll. In addition, Arnold Palmer spoke before a joint session of Congress in March of 1990, in commemoration of the 100th birthday of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Through his charitable foundation, Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, 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 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.”
“I truly believe that Arnold Palmer is deserving of this honor, and it is fitting the Senate passed this legislation on the eve of his 80th birthday,” continued Rep. Baca. “But it’s not just about his success on the links. Arnold also has contributed significantly to American society and culture and is an outstanding role model, especially for young people.”
Congressman Baca currently serves as a Member of the House Professional Sports Caucus, and Chair of the Caucus’ Golf Committee.
###
Posted by scurry at 12:29 AM
HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER
Born September 10, 1929 to Milfred Jerome (Deacon) and Doris Palmer is Arnold Daniel Palmer.
Some September 10th birthday highlights in Arnold Palmer's life include:
- 1966 -- Palmer, 37, becomes agitated by meddling tasks given to him by Winnie in order to distract him from Secret Service men surreptitiously prowling the Latrobe countryside. Unbeknownst to Palmer, they were there to assure the safety of one of the most powerful and popular men in the world who flew to Latrobe for a surprise birthday visit. And for the first time in his life, Palmer’s plane is flown without him or his knowledge -- pilot Darrell Brown flies it to Gettysburg to pick up President Dwight Eisenhower for a surprise visit. "I was oblivious to it all," Palmer says, “until I answered the door and found General Eisenhower standing there with an overnight bag. ‘Say, you wouldn’t have room to put up an old man for the night, would you?’ One of the nicest weekends of my life followed. It was the thrill of a lifetime."
- 1972 -- Tournament volunteers at Firestone Country Club arrange for a birthday cake and surprise party for Palmer, 43, as he served as a commentator for NBC Sports during the World Series of Golf.
- 1989 -- The 255-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando opens to great fanfare. The first baby is born within hours after the ribbon cutting. Within 15 years, more than 100,000 children will be born in the Palmer hospital. Long-time friend Bob Hope serves as emcee at one of Palmer's 60th birthday events.
- 1993 -- Parade Magazine publishes a Hoest & Reiner cartoon that shows a disgruntled man telling his wife, “The doctor wasn’t in . . . His office is closed for Arnold Palmer’s birthday.”
- 1995 -- Palmer concludes the last round of the GTE Northwest Classic at Inglewood C.C. in Inglewood, California, with a stellar 66. It is on his 66th birthday and is noted for being the first time he’s ever shot his age.
- 2005 -- Palmer celebrates his 76th at the wedding of his granddaughter, Katherine Ann (Katie) Saunders, 23, to James Parker Spears at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the Saunders family's summer home.
- 2007 -- On his 78th birthday, Palmer is on hand at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe for the unveiling of the Zenos Frudako's statue of him. An exact replica is unveiled across the Atlantic at the Tralee course in Ireland.
- Birthday luck? -- What might be most remarkable is that 66 percent of Palmer's aces - 8 of 14 - whose dates are verifiable occurred in September, with five of those being struck between September 3 through 7.
Three days after his birthday Palmer carded his best score ever, a 60, at Latrobe Country Club on September 13, 1969.
As the legend turns 80, many articles have been published by the media celebrating the storied career and life of the all-american Arnold Palmer.
ArnoldPalmer.com
Golf Digest
September 2009 Issue
Golf World
USGA Museum
- The Arnold Palmer Memory Book -- This site is dedicated to the fans of Arnold Palmer. It is a place for all who have a story to tell about this remarkable man and athlete. We encourage you to share your personal memories - as words, images, or videos - with others who admire, honor, and cherish Arnold Palmer as he approaches his 80th birthday.
Kingdom Magazine
USA Today
September 2, 2009
Wall Street Journal
Golf Channel
PGA Tour
Associated Press
ESPN
Fox Sports
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Desert Sun - Palm Springs
The Los Angeles Times
Reuters UK
The State - South Carolina
LIFE Magazine
Posted by scurry at 12:01 AM
September 09, 2009
PALMER THROWS OUT PIRATES PITCH
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article "Love of Palmer par for the course" - 'A treasure to the game of golf and a gift to mankind' on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 by Chuck Finder covers the 80th birthday celebration event at PNC Park in splendid fashion with photos and video.
Read the full article. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09252/996582-136.stm
Posted by scurry at 09:53 AM
September 08, 2009
For his birthday, 80 things we love about Arnie
PGATOUR.COM correspondent Melanie Hauser lists 80 things to love about Arnold Palmer.
Read the full story
Posted by scurry at 07:51 PM
Golf Channel paying special tribute to Arnold Palmer's 80th
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Arnold Palmer turns 80 on Sept. 10 and Golf Channel will pay special tribute to the man simply known as "The King," who took golf to television and later co-founded the Golf Channel cable network.
GolfChannel.com's editorial team provides perspective to his career achievements and compliments a host of celebratory pages that feature trivia, photography and tributes that include a collection of the best Palmer stories that have appeared on the network's Web site.
During his birthday week (Sept. 6 - 13), Rex Hoggard (senior writer) will examine Palmer's career from a player's perspective to illustrate his importance to the growth of the game, while Randall Mell (senior writer) chronicles the camera's love affair with Palmer and the role he played in expanding golf to the then new medium of sports television. In addition, Mercer Baggs (managing editor) reveals Palmer's charitable efforts and his influence in the creation of the Arnold Palmer Hospitals.
"As a founding father of Golf Channel, Arnold Palmer's contributions to the growth of the sport and our company are innumerous," Golf Channel President Page Thompson said. "His imprint can be found in every aspect of our Channel, and we are very proud to carry on the traditions of excellence he established."
On the micro site, fans can join the festivities by contributing memories, well wishes and personal accounts of encounters with Palmer.
In concert with GolfChannel.com, Golf Channel will feature more than eight hours of programming to honor the man who won 62 times on the PGA TOUR, including seven major championships. Throughout the week, the network will air programming that includes:
* Golf Central (Mon - Thur., 6 p.m. ET) - Monday - Wednesday, Golf Central continues its "80-days to Arnold Palmer's 80th birthday" countdown with nightly features within the news franchise, including coverage of his ceremonial first pitch for his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, at PNC Park. Thursday (6 p.m. ET), Golf Central will air a special Arnold Palmer 80th Birthday Celebration show, featuring celebrity tributes from the world of sports and entertainment. Inga Hammond also will conduct a sit-down interview with Palmer to reflect on his storied career on and off the course.
* Top 10: Arnold Palmer Moments (Tue., 8:30 p.m. ET) - Top 10 will count down the 10 greatest moments in Palmer's illustrious career, including his major championship victories, his role in the development of the Champions Tour and the emergency of "Arnie's Army." The special features interviews from legendary sports agent Mark McCormack and author Bob Drum, as well as insight and commentary from Lee Trevino, Hubert Green and Palmer. Hosted by Lauren Thompson
Golf's Heart and Soul: Arnold Palmer (Tue., 9 p.m. ET) - From humble beginnings in the Pennsylvania foothills to close friendships with presidents and kings, Golf Channel embarks on a two-hour journey into Palmer's life as seen not only from "The King's" eyes, but also from the experiences from everyone who has touched him.
Golf in America (Wed, 9:30 p.m. ET) - Golf Channel visits with Palmer to discuss his three legacies: golf, philanthropy and course design. He discusses his part in ushering in a new era in sports coverage with co-founding the Golf Channel; his involvement in charities and the Arnold Palmer Hospital; and his golf course design company.
Playing Lessons From the Pros: Palmer and Saunders (Thur., 7 a.m. ET) - Palmer is joined by his grandson Sam Saunders, who in 2004 became Florida State High School Golf Champion, for a round of golf at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Fla.
1964 Masters Highlights (Thur., 1:30 p.m. ET) - Highlights of the 1964 Masters, where Palmer won his fourth and final green jacket by six strokes over Dave Marr and Jack Nicklaus
1960 Masters Highlights (Friday, 12:30 a.m. ET) - Highlights of the 1960 Masters, where Palmer won his second green jacket by one stroke over Ken Venturi.
For more information, contact Golf Channel Public Relations at 407-355-4653.
Posted by scurry at 09:30 AM
September 05, 2009
WSJ Feature: Palmer's Go-for-It Greatness
The Wall Street Journal featured an article on September 5, 2009 entitled "Palmer's Go-for-It Greatness: The Legend Looks Back on a Daring, Uncompromising Style Few Attempt Anymore" by John Paul Newport.
Read the full story.
Posted by scurry at 04:51 PM
September 04, 2009
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2010 ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD
Discount prices now available through October 31
Tickets go on sale this week for the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational
presented by MasterCard. Prices range from $15 for youth tickets to $3,000
for Executive Packages. The King’s Club, for $2,000, the ultimate Arnold
Palmer Invitational experience, also will be offered again in 2010.
World No. 1 Tiger Woods will be the defending champion for the 32nd
annual PGA Tour event at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, to be
played on the week of March 22-28, 2010. The four rounds of the tournament
will be Thursday through Sunday.
New for 2010 will be Practice/Pro-Am Badges for Monday through
Wednesday, all three days for just $35, including on-site parking.
Grounds Badges will be $100 for the week, an increase of $5, with
complimentary parking at Universal Studios. Palmer Pavilion Badges and Bay
Hill Badges will be sold at a discount until October 31. Clubhouse Badges will
no longer be offered. Access to the clubhouse will be available only to holders
of Bay Hill Badges.
Palmer Pavilion Badges, which were $185 in 2009, will be on sale for
$175 until October 31 and for $200 after that. The badges provide weeklong
access to the tournament and to the Palmer Pavilion, where food and beverages
will be available for purchase. On-site parking will be on a space-available
basis.
Bay Hill Badges, which were $300 in 2009, will be on sale for $250 until
October 31 and for $300 after that. The badges provide weeklong access to the
tournament, to the Palmer Pavilion, and to the clubhouse, with food and
beverages available for purchase at both locations. On-site parking will be
guaranteed, with a parking hanger provided with the purchase.
Any Day Tickets will be $45 per day, Thursday through Sunday, with
complimentary parking at Universal Studios. For 20 or more Any Day Tickets,
the cost will be $35 per day.
Youth Tickets will be $15 per day for ages 13 through 17 (12 and under
are free), Tuesday through Sunday. This is a change from 2009, when only 10
and under Youth were free. Youth will be admitted free with a paid adult on
Youth Day, Monday of the tournament week.
Charger Parking Passes for on-site parking will be $25 for any one day,
or $75 for Thursday through Sunday.
Executive 1 Packages will be $3,000 for 15 Palmer Pavilion Badges, 20
Any Day Tickets, and four Charger Parking Passes.
Executive 2 Packages will be $1,500 for 10 Palmer Pavilion Badges, 10
Any Day Tickets.
The King’s Club will be $2,000 for tournament admission all week and
access to The King’s Club on Thursday through Sunday. The King’s Club will
be an elevated, air-conditioned structure offering beautiful views of the greens
on holes 16 and 17. A very limited number of tickets will be sold. Privileges
include full food and beverage service and on-site parking with a shuttle to the
venue.
For tickets to the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by
MasterCard or for more information, log on to the tournament web site,
www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the ticket office at Bay Hill at 407-
876-7774 or toll free at 1-866-764-4843. Tournament proceeds benefit the
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for
Women and Babies.
Posted by scurry at 04:53 PM
September 02, 2009
USA TODAY FEATURES ARNOLD PALMER AT 80
USA Today has featured Arnold Palmer in a few articles to highlight his upcoming 80th birthday.
Click the links below to read more.
Posted by scurry at 03:49 PM
September 01, 2009
PALMER WELCOMES NICKLAUS AS HONORARY MASTERS CO-STARTER
Jack Nicklaus will join his long-time competitor and friend Arnold Palmer at the upcoming 2010 Masters, which takes place April 8 to 11, at Augusta National to serve as the honorary co-starters. The two legends have a shared a long and storied career at Augusta, Palmer winning 4 times in his 50 consecutive years and Nicklaus winning 6 times in his 45 years.
Palmer is the sixth person, in 2007 and 2008, 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 has been vacant since Snead died following the 2002 Masters.
“I am very happy to have Jack join me as an honorary starter. It has been a pleasure to have been a part of this special tradition at the Masters these last couple of years and it’s certainly appropriate that Jack become a part of that tradition, given his great record at Augusta National. I welcome having my long-time good friend and competitor with me next year on the first tee.” said Palmer.
Posted by scurry at 03:41 PM
Arnold Palmer to Speak at Opening General Session for NBAA2009
National Business Aviation Association Washington, DC, August 31, 2009 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that golf legend and esteemed businessman Arnold Palmer will be among the participants in the Opening General Session for NBAA’s 62nd Annual Meeting & Convention this October (NBAA2009).
“We're very excited to include Arnold Palmer among the speakers at this year’s Convention,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Arnold is recognized around the world not just as a renowned golf professional, but also as a highly successful businessman who has long relied on business aviation as part of building his company. We look forward to hearing his first-hand perspective on how business aviation helps him succeed.”
Palmer’s storied career as a professional golfer includes a host of championships in national and international competitions. The Latrobe, PA native continues to travel extensively from his hometown in support of his many business interests, and much of the time, Palmer personally flies a Cessna Citation X to meet his business demands.
The essential role of business aviation in providing a transportation lifeline to towns like Latrobe has been a central theme in the No Plane No Gain campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Palmer and other Convention speakers will highlight the messages put forward by No Plane No Gain, to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the many ways business aviation serves citizens, companies and communities across the U.S.
NBAA's Convention will be held in Orlando, FL, from October 20 to 22 at the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando Executive Airport.
Joining Palmer for the Convention’s Opening General Session will be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt, and Forbes publisher Rich Karlgaard, who owns and pilots a Cirrus SR22 for business.
A primary focus for the Convention will be a new Light Business Airplane (LBA) Conference designed to help concept buyers understand the considerations involved in purchasing a new airplane, as well as sessions to help NBAA Members quantify and communicate the value of their business aircraft. For more information, visit NBAA’s dedicated LBA web site: www.nbaa.org/lba.
Posted by scurry at 12:04 PM