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July 29, 2010
Arnold Palmer at Greenbrier to Watch Grandson Sam Saunders
Courtesy of PGATOUR.COM
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- The first time Arnold Palmer played at The Greenbrier was 55 years ago.
The legendary Sam Snead had invited Palmer, who was actually the king-in-waiting back then, to play in his pro-am. Palmer walked away with his first paycheck, too -- and given the times, it was a pretty big one at just under $10,000.
"That really afforded me the opportunity to continue to play the TOUR," Palmer, who later played in two World Cups with Snead, recalled on Thursday. "It was fun being with Sam and playing with him. He never spent a lot of money, though. He was close with the buck."
The King flew back to the mountains of West Virginia on Thursday morning to watch his grandson, Sam Saunders, play in The Greenbrier Classic.
Palmer walked several holes with Saunders before having lunch with Jim Justice, the jocular owner of The Greenbrier. Palmer marveled at the way the tournament has come together in a little more than 14 months.
"What a man," he said. "He's a great guy -- I think he hired me (at lunch)."
After lunch, Palmer joined his grandson on the range for a skull session. Then he spent some time in the tower with GOLF CHANNEL announcers Nick Faldo and Rich Lerner before hopping in a golf cart and entertaining several print reporters before darkening clouds began to creep over the mountains.
Saunders has played in six PGA TOUR events this year, making the cut in three and earning $95,226. His grandfather knows he's got plenty of talent -- Palmer says the big-hitting Saunders just needs to put it all together at the same time.
"When I stand there and watch him you wouldn't believe how well he hits it," Palmer said. "It's fantastic and certainly it's just a question of translating that to that golf course right there. ... If he did that, he'd be right there every day and every tournament he plays."
Palmer, who says he would love to caddy for his grandson in a tournament someday, tries to maintain as low a profile as possible when he's watching Saunders play. He understands the pressure his legacy may put on Saunders but he doesn't talk to his grandson about it.
"I don't ask him those questions," Palmer said. "I try to steer clear of that. I think he's very aware of the situation he's in, and I think he'll be able to handle it very well."
Saunders, for his part, says he's gotten used to the near-constant questions about his grandfather, perhaps the most beloved player in the game. "It's part of the deal," he said. "Some day when I play my game it will speak for itself.
Read the full story on PGATOUR.com by Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents
Posted by scurry at 06:17 PM
July 27, 2010
Arnold Palmer, Concord Hospitality to Build Springhill Suites Hotel in Latrobe, Pa.
"Green" Hotel Expected to Open in 2011
LATROBE, PA./RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., July 27, 2010 – Officials of a joint venture
that includes Palmer Hospitality, L.P, owned by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, Concord
Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation's top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, and
Keith H. McGraw, a Sewickley, Pa.-based Concord partner, today announced plans to build a
109-suite Springhill Suites by Marriott hotel in Latrobe, Pa. Located near the intersection of
Route 30 and Route 981, the four-story hotel will be directly across from one of the area's largest
employers, Kennarnetal Inc., and in close proximity to Latrobe Country Club, Palmer's home
course.
"I've wanted to build a hotel for some time to complement the country club, working
with the right kind of developer and operator," Palmer said. "I found both with Concord. We
share the same philosophy and outlook in terms of guest care and attention to detail."
Palmer's remarkable golfing career will inspire the hotel's design and will showcase a
number of his awards and memorabilia. The hotel will be a LEED-certified prototype that was
pioneered by Concord in conjunction with Marriott. Construction is expected to begin in
December, with the hotel slated to open towards the end of 2011.
The hotel project is the latest of many economic and civic contributions that Palmer has
made to the community where he was born and has spent much of his life. In addition to the
employment provided by the country club and his automobile dealership, he has been closely
involved with the local hospital and other health-care facilities in the area and created the Winnie
Palmer Nature Reserve, a community park dedicated to his late wife. The major county airport
bears his name.
"The mid-priced, all-suite concept is ideal for this market," said Mark G. Laport, president and
CEO of Concord Hospitality. "Its spacious suites with separate areas for sleeping, working and
relaxing are well-suited for golfers and other leisure guests, as well as for business travelers
visiting the area. It also will have strong appeal for social functions held at the country club."
Other area attractions include St. Vincent College, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, Fallingwater,
Idlewild Park, historic Ligonier and the year-round activities in the Laurel Highland Mountains.
The smoke-free hotel will feature complimentary daily breakfast buffet, in-suite
microwave and mini-fridge, pull-out sofa bed, free high-speed Internet access, swimming pool
and whirlpool/spa, fitness room and on-site business services.
About Palmer Hospitality, L.P.
Palmer Hospitality, L.P., is an entity created by Arnold Palmer, the golf professional
whose legendary career includes 92 national and international championships, 62 of them on the
regular PGA Tour during his prime playing years. These followed an impressive formative
amateur career that pealced with his victory in the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship. Most
prominent among the professional titles were four Masters, two British Opens and the
memorable U.S. Open Championship at Cherry Hills in 1960. For nearly a half century, Palmer
has been one ofthe best-Imown sportsmen and businessmen in the world. For more information,
please visit www.amoldpalmer.com.
About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and
development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., manages over 70 hotels with more than
8,000 guest rooms in 15 states and two Canadian providences. The company operates under such
well-known industry elite brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Choice Hotels, is an approved
franchisee for Starwood, and also operates an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985,
Concord was recently listed as one ofthe top management companies in the nation by
independent sources, and recently won Marriott's elite Partnership Circle award for the sixth
time. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly
30 honors in the past two years alone, including Marriott's Hotel of the Year and Developer of
the Year awards. For more information, visit www.concordhotels.com.
Posted by scurry at 10:40 AM
July 14, 2010
PALMER AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS
ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – Arnold Palmer and fellow golfers Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington were awarded honorary Doctor of Law degrees by the University of St Andrews in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport of golf in front of a capacity audience of 1,000 in Younger Hall.
The University of St. Andrews ceremony was complete with traditional robes, Latin conferment and a bagpipe procession down North Street to St. Salvator's Quad.
The degrees were conferred by University Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell.
Palmer told the audience:
"I'm pleased to be here and thankful for the opportunity to see what I have seen today."
"Little did I think that in 1960 when I told my father and a friend I was coming to the Open and they said ‘really, are you ready?' what might happen 50 years later.
"It is a thrill to be back here and a real honor to be recognized by the University of St Andrews. Walking down the street in St Andrews I feel like I'm at home. Thank you all."
Tom Watson, a five-times Open winner, spoke about how as a youngster he had idolized Arnold Palmer and that the "King" had been the inspiration for his legendary battles with fellow St Andrews graduate Jack Nicklaus.
Turning to Palmer during the ceremony, Watson said: "I want to tell you…The reason I beat Jack all those times was because he beat you too many times Arnold!"
"This is indeed an honor and I'm very humbled to be here in St Andrews. St Andrews University is one of the world's greatest seats of learning. I am just a golfer and I stand here before my idol Arnold Palmer."
When asked about his seventh honorary university degree after the ceremony Palmer said, "This is certainly one that'll be very favored in my collection."
During another interview Mr. Palmer was asked how he was hitting the ball at the moment. His response of "I'm hitting it so well I can hear it land!" had people in roaring in laughter.
Founded in the 15th century, St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world.
Posted by scurry at 05:30 PM
July 12, 2010
Arnold Palmer To Be Honored With NBAA's Highest Award
Washington, DC, July 12, 2010 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer and esteemed businessman who serves as a voice for the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, will receive the 2010 NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, and Chuck McKinnon, a business pilot and aviation legend, will receive the 2010 NBAA John P. "Jack" Doswell Award.
The Meritorious Service to Aviation Award is NBAA's most distinguished honor, presented annually to an individual who, by virtue of a lifetime of personal dedication, has made significant, identifiable contributions that have materially advanced aviation interests. The Doswell Award is granted for lifelong individual achievement on behalf of and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation.
"NBAA is proud to recognize these two outstanding members of the business aviation community for their dedication and many contributions to the industry," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
Meritorious Award Recipient Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer is not only an American icon, but also a highly respected advocate for business aviation. His career as a professional golfer includes a host of championships in national and international competitions, but he also knows first-hand the importance of business aviation. Because his business is located in Latrobe, PA – a town not served by the commercial airlines – business aviation has been a vital element in the success of Palmer's enterprises.
Palmer serves as a spokesperson for the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The campaign educates policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the country.
Palmer has been featured in print and television ads that have appeared in and outside Washington, DC, and also in a number of aviation industry publications. In one No Plane No Gain TV spot, Palmer says: "For more than 50 years, using a business airplane is the single-most productive thing I have done."
Palmer has spoken at NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention on several occasions, each time highlighting the benefits business aviation brings to the nation's economy and transportation system.
In addressing the large crowd gathered at the Opening General Session for NBAA's 2009 Convention, Palmer explained why he felt compelled to lend his voice to the No Plane No Gain program. "I know the value of business airplanes," he said. "I know what they have done for me and my companies. I know how important they are to my hometown. And I know how important they are to this country."
NBAA's Bolen noted: "Arnold Palmer has long relied on an airplane to help him succeed in golf and business. He understands well the essential role of business aviation in serving towns and communities across the country. For lending his voice to our industry's advocacy campaign, NBAA is pleased to honor him with NBAA's highest award."
Palmer will be represented with the Meritorious Service Award in a very special general session on the Convention exhibit floor on October 20. To view Palmer's No Plane No Gain TV advertisements, visit www.noplanenogain.org/Video_Advertisements.htm?m=47&s=385.
Palmer and McKinnon will receive their awards during NBAA's 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention, to be held from October 19 to 21 in Atlanta, GA, at the Georgia World Congress Center and Peachtree DeKalb Airport.
To hear a special edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast featuring an audio interview with McKinnon, visit www.nbaa.org/flight-plan.
Contacts: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Patrick Dunne, (202) 783-9263, pdunne@nbaa.org
# # #
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.
Posted by scurry at 03:36 PM
July 07, 2010
PALMER AT ST. ANDREWS
ST. ANDREWS – Two-time British Open Champion Arnold Palmer will captain one of the seven teams in the Champions Challenge to be held on the eve of next week's 139th British Open Championship at St Andrews.
The four-hole Champions Challenge will be played over the first, second, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course on 14 July, with the best individual score at each hole counting as the team score.
Palmer's team consists of former Bay Hill member Ian Baker-Finch, defending Open champion Stewart Cink and long-time Orlando area (Isleworth) resident Mark O'Meara.
The winners will receive a check for £50,000 ($75,480) to be donated to charities of their choice.
"We anticipate a very special occasion," said the organising R&A's director of championships David Hill.
"I am sure all supporters of the Open championship will be excited by the prospect of seeing so many legends of the game."
The day prior, Palmer and two other multiple winners of the British Open will be honored by Scotland’s oldest university and the third oldest in the English speaking world.
Palmer will join fellow American Tom Watson and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington at a ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, when they will be awarded honorary degrees by the University of St. Andrews in the town’s Younger Hall.
Posted by scurry at 06:08 PM
July 02, 2010
Palmer Portrait Supports Kids
Kingdom Magazine is auctioning Nespresso's Arnold Palmer portrait to benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (arnoldpalmerhospital.com).
From now until the end of October, enter a bid at arnieskingdom.com and you could win a stay in Orlando and meet the man himself.
At the end of October, the winning bidder will be invited (with a partner) to the Kingdom Cup at Bay Hill Club & Lodge an invitation-only event, hosted by Arnold Palmer. All expenses will be paid (minus flights and incidentals) and his or her bid will serve as the reserve price at a live auction to take place at the tournament. Naturally the lucky recipients will be included in the bidding process!
Please email your bid to: ms@tmcusallc.com.
Once an ultimate winner is determined, Arnold Palmer will sign and present the portrait.
Posted by scurry at 02:42 PM
July 01, 2010
Big Three reunion for record fundraiser featured on CBS
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, who dominated the 1960s and 1970s as golf's "Big Three" and have represented the best the sport has to offer, now lay claim to a record that will impact the lives of deserving children for years to come.
Reuniting on June 8 at The Olde Farm Golf Club in Bristol, Va., for a 19-hole scramble to benefit historic Mountain Mission School in nearby Grundy, they helped raise nearly $15.2 million, a single-day record for any golf tournament. The money will help to establish a sustained endowment for the school, which has sheltered and educated an estimated 20,000 needy children over its 87 years while operating totally from private donations.
This extraordinary day was documented by PGA TOUR Entertainment for The Big Three for Mountain Mission Kids Presented by Johnson & Johnson, a one-hour special that will air on CBS at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, prior to third-round coverage of the John Deere Classic.
Wearing wireless microphones, Nicklaus, Palmer and Player give viewers a taste of their camaraderie and interaction with guests. The event, sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and organized by Grundy native Jim McGlothlin, founder of The Olde Farm, saw participants pay $100,000 to play one hole with the Big Three.
Nicklaus, Palmer and Player have symbolized excellence off the golf course as well as on, each having successful charitable foundations that have helped millions of individuals, mostly youth. At The Olde Farm, they reunited to help an institution that has a history of remarkable successes and inspirational stories by accepting any child with a legitimate need, whether it relates to economics, abuse, family emergencies, home stability or other issues.
The Big Three for Mountain Mission Kids Presented by Johnson & Johnson focuses on Mountain Mission School, which has 230 resident students ages 18 months to 20 years, attending a private school made of grades pre-kindergarten through 12. In recent years, more than 90 percent of the schools graduates have enrolled in colleges. The campus has grown from a single building when it opened in 1921 to the campus it is today, with an educational building, vocational and fine arts building, campus chapel, administration building and three separate residences for girls, four residences for boys and a toddler hall for boys and girls.
Posted by scurry at 06:34 PM