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Arnold Palmer at Greenbrier to Watch Grandson Sam Saunders
July 29, 2010
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 July 29, 2010 06:17 PM