Arnold Palmer News: Archives

ARNOLD PALMER JOINS CENTOCOR ORTHO BIOTECH AND US TOO INTERNATIONAL TO LAUNCH MY PROSTATE CANCER ROADMAP

September 01, 2010

Prostate Cancer Often Misunderstood, Thought of as Less Threatening Than Other Cancers

HORSHAM, Pa. — World-renownedgolf champion and prostate cancer survivor Arnold Palmer has teamed up with Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. and the non-profit organization Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network to launch My Prostate Cancer Roadmap (www.myprostatecancerroadmap.com), an educational program that provides resources and information specific to advanced prostate cancer patients and those who love them.

Every year, approximately 8,000 cases of cancer of the prostate are diagnosed at an advanced stage and roughly 32,000 men are projected to die this year from the disease in the United States. Despite these statistics, many people think prostate cancer is less dangerous than other cancers. In fact, cancer of the prostate is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men the United States, and the National Cancer Institute predicts a 17 percent increase in prostate cancer deaths this year compared to 2009.

Arnold Palmer knows first-hand about navigating prostate cancer. Diagnosed with the disease in 1997, Palmer has worked as an advocate for people affected by cancer of the prostate for more than a decade. He is helping to launch the My Prostate Cancer Roadmap program to raise awareness of advanced prostate cancer and this new support resource.*

“I was very lucky -- my family and friends were with me every step of the way as I faced prostate cancer, finding information and accompanying me to each doctor’s appointment that I had,” said Palmer. “Often, men don’t reach out for support, or they feel that being strong means that they have to face this disease on their own. Having information and support to help navigate every part of the journey is critical, especially to men facing advanced disease, where comprehensive information can be more difficult to find.”

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland located around the urethra (under the bladder) in men that produces part of the seminal fluid. In some cases, cancer of the prostate can grow slowly compared with other cancers. However, depending on factors including characteristics specific to the patient and the tumor, prostate cancer can also grow very quickly and spread to other places such as the lymph nodes, bones or other parts of the body. Prostate cancer is considered to be advanced once it has spread beyond the prostate region.

“Advanced prostate cancer is a disease that is poorly understood. Prostate cancer kills more men in the United States than any other cancer, except for lung cancer,” said Tom Kirk, President & CEO, Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network. “Us TOO International is deeply committed to helping men and those who care about them understand the unique challenges, and how to live to the fullest, with advanced disease. My Prostate Cancer Roadmap is made especially for them, putting targeted information and resources at their fingertips. It nicely complements the educational materials, support groups and online discussion communities that Us TOO International provides for men and their families fighting the disease.”

The information on the Web site is presented visually as a roadmap and visitors can navigate various “stops,” each of which provides unique, current information. Topics include health and wellness, work, relationships, and sex and intimacy. Visitors are offered tips on nutrition, exercise and maintaining relationships. There are even suggested questions to help guide difficult and often emotional discussions with employers.

Although any man can develop cancer of the prostate, there are certain factors that increase the risk. These include age, family history, pre-cancerous prostate changes, genetic abnormalities, and ethnicity, where African Americans are at the highest risk. My Prostate Cancer Roadmap provides information for these high-risk populations.

Each stop on the journey offers a choice of two paths – one for men with advanced prostate cancer and the other for family, friends and caregivers – to help address their overlapping but also different needs.

“Until now, men with advanced prostate cancer and those who love them lacked comprehensive and easily accessible resources to help them cope with advanced disease,” said Robert Bazemore, President, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. “We are pleased to work with Us TOO International on My Prostate Cancer Roadmap, an important resource that focuses on the needs of men with advanced prostate cancer and their loved ones.”

As a resource for advanced prostate cancer patients and their loved ones, MyProstateCancerRoadmap.com will continue to offer new content based on their feedback and input, along with insights and expertise of scientists, clinicians, nurses, social workers and other experts. Visitors can register to receive alerts when new information is posted.

Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network (www.ustoo.org) is a source of peer-to-peer support and free materials for men and their families to make informed choices on prostate cancer detection, treatment options and coping with ongoing survivorship. Founded in 1990 by prostate cancer survivors and their families “who recognized that cancer affects us, too,” the 501(c)(3) non-profit is headquartered in Illinois and works with volunteers in 325 affiliated support group chapters worldwide. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Us TOO is a member patient advocacy organization of the National Health Council.

About Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.

Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. redefines the standard of care in immunology, nephrology and oncology. The company was formed when Centocor, Inc. and Ortho Biotech Inc. were consolidated in late 2008, and was renamed Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. Built upon a pioneering history, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. harnesses innovations in large-molecule and small-molecule research to create important new therapeutic options. Beyond its innovative medicines, Centocor Ortho Biotech is at the forefront of developing education and public policy initiatives to ensure patients and their families, caregivers, advocates and healthcare professionals have access to the latest treatment information, support services and quality care. For more information about Centocor Ortho Biotech, visit www.centocororthobiotech.com.

* My Prostate Cancer Roadmap campaign is brought to you by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. in partnership with the non-profit organization Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network. Arnold Palmer was compensated for his time in preparing for and participating in the My Prostate Cancer Roadmap program and was reimbursed for travel expenses related to the program. Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. provided sponsorship funding to Us TOO International in support of the My Prostate Cancer Roadmap program and other education and support initiatives benefitting prostate cancer patients and their families.

Posted by scurry at 03:23 PM

Arnold Palmer, Honorary Chairman of Mylan Classic

August 31, 2010

CANONSBURG, PA. -- One of Western Pennsylvania's most prominent and respected native sons, Arnold Palmer, has agreed to serve as Honorary Chairman for the inaugural playing of his home state's new Nationwide Tour event, the Mylan Classic presented by CONSOL Energy.

The 2010 Mylan Classic will be played Sept. 2-5 at Southpointe Golf Club in the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, preceded by a pro-am on Sept. 1. All four rounds will be televised on Golf Channel in the U.S., with the event reaching 123 countries overseas.

"I gladly accepted this offer when approached by Rod Piatt," said Palmer. "I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the Nationwide Tour and the significant impact it has on the PGA TOUR. Now in its 21st year, the Tour has done much to advance the level of competition in professional golf and prepare many of the sport's most talented young players for life on the PGA TOUR. I congratulate Mylan and key supporting sponsors CONSOL Energy and Dick's Sporting Goods for bringing this wonderful event to the golf fans of Western Pennsylvania. I hope they come out in big numbers to support the tournament."

"Having Mr. Palmer's support of the inaugural Mylan Classic at Southpointe is a true honor and I know that all of the golf fans in Western Pennsylvania are proud to have such a goodwill ambassador of golf associated with this exciting event," said Rod Piatt, who is Mylan Classic Co-Chairman along with Jeff Kotula of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Added Mylan Chairman and CEO Robert J. Coury, "We feel truly privileged that Arnold Palmer will be participating in the Mylan Classic in this very special way. While his golf career has certainly been nothing short of legendary, his reputation for helping to raise funds for numerous charitable organizations is just as impressive. He is the perfect Honorary Chairman for an event that combines the celebration of golf with the desire to give back to our local community and its charities."

"Arnold Palmer is synonymous with golf in Western Pennsylvania and has been for 60 years," said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. "It is very fitting that he lend his name and reputation to help launch the Nationwide Tour's Mylan Classic in what amounts to his backyard. Mr. Palmer has always been very supportive of the Nationwide Tour and we can't thank him enough for providing his seal of approval to this new tournament."

Palmer was born and raised in Latrobe, Pa., about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. The 1974 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee spends his summer months in his beloved Latrobe and plays regularly at Latrobe Country Club, which he owns and operates.

Palmer is a self-professed fan of the Nationwide Tour, and his grandson, Sam Saunders, who aspires to play on the PGA TOUR, made his national professional debut last September at the Nationwide Tour's Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft in Idaho.

Posted by scurry at 03:04 PM

PALMER ATTENDS U.S. OIL OPEN WHICH RAISES OVER $2.2 MILLION TO HELP FIGHT POVERTY

August 13, 2010

HOLLANDTOWN, WI - Arnold Palmer joined Nancy Lopez at this year's U.S. Oil Open where the event raised more than $2.2 million for charity, a record for the 25th annual event.

Despite soggy conditions, 800 golfers teed off at several local courses with the goal to raise money to help fight poverty.

LPGA legend Nancy Lopez attended last year and invited Palmer to join her this year. Both legends spoke at the banquet dinner.

"It's a great pleasure to be here with Nancy Lopez and to support this wonderful program," said Palmer. "I understand that over the years, 25 to be exact, they have really done great things for the local community and local charities and that's why I'm here."

"It's important because we need an uplift right now in this economic situation and anything I can do to help push that, I'm trying to do," added Palmer.

The money will be donated to the Basic Needs Giving Partnership with the J.J. Keller Foundation and other local area community foundations with the purpose of fighting the root causes of poverty in northeast Wisconsin.

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Posted by scurry at 09:36 AM

Palmer at the 3M Championship

August 04, 2010

Blaine, MN – Golf legend Arnold Palmer will be attending the 3M Championship at the TPC Twin Cities – an Arnold Palmer designed course – and playing in the annual Greats of Golf Challenge Saturday, August 7th and Sunday, August 8th.

Defending 3M Championship champion Bernhard Langer is trying to extend his current winning streak to three in a row. Langer is hot coming off back-to-back Champions Tour major victories at the Senior British Open and the U.S. Senior Open in a two-week period.

Palmer will personally fly his Cessna Citation X to the Twin Cities from his home in Latrobe, PA.

The Greats of Golf Challenge, presented by Post-it Brand Products, features nine PGA Champions Tour professional playing in a three-person team, better-ball format.

Last year Team Army (Arnold Palmer, Al Geiberger, Don January) shot a -22 winning in a playoff against Team Ryder Cup (Billy Casper, Tony Jacklin, Gene Litter) -22 and Team International (Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Charles Coody) -21.

Team Army 2010 will consist of Palmer, Miller Barber and Don January.

"The 3M Championship is a great event that I really enjoy." said Palmer. "It's a lot of fun to play golf with these guys."

Last year was also the first year which offered free admission, parking and shuttles to the public.

"It's very exciting that the 3M Championship is giving golf fans the opportunity to see this great event for free." said Palmer. "I also hope this offer will introduce the sport of golf to some new people as well."

Posted by scurry at 11:22 AM

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 06:17 PM

Arnold Palmer, Concord Hospitality to Build Springhill Suites Hotel in Latrobe, Pa.

July 27, 2010

"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

PALMER AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS

July 14, 2010

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

Arnold Palmer To Be Honored With NBAA's Highest Award

July 12, 2010

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

PALMER AT ST. ANDREWS

July 07, 2010

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

Palmer Portrait Supports Kids

July 02, 2010

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

Big Three reunion for record fundraiser featured on CBS

July 01, 2010

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

AHEAD re-signs Arnold Palmer to represent their headwear line

June 25, 2010

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- AHEAD, the leader in branded headwear and apparel, has announced that it has re-signed legendary golfing great, Arnold Palmer, to represent the company's headwear line.

"We are thrilled that Arnold Palmer has re-signed with AHEAD," said Ken Shwartz, President, AHEAD. "We appreciate his loyalty and support of AHEAD over the years. It is a testimony to the quality of our product line and leadership role in the industry. Arnie's magnetic personality and outpouring of kindness to everyone he encounters over the years has endeared him to millions throughout the world. He is a true asset to AHEAD and we look forward to continuing our relationship with him."

Palmer, nicknamed "The King," is one of golf's most popular stars. His incredible charisma helped him become a trailblazer in establishing golf as a compelling television sports event in the late 1950s. Palmer, one of the most decorated golfers in history, has 92 worldwide wins, including 7 majors. His accomplishments off the course are just as impressive. He is a highly-successful executive, prominent advertising spokesman, skilled aviator, talented golf course designer and consultant and devoted family patriarch.

Palmer, whose licensing rights are managed cooperatively by Arnold Palmer Enterprises (APE) and IMG, will continue to appear in AHEAD's headwear catalog, point of sales materials and website. Additionally, AHEAD is planning to develop an Arnold Palmer label within its golf assortment.

"We are excited to renew this relationship between Arnold Palmer and AHEAD, one of our long-time partners," added Cori Britt, Vice President, Arnold Palmer Enterprises. "Because of his success on and off the course, Arnold Palmer is a fan favorite with all generations, and we're pleased to pair that success with a company like AHEAD."

In addition to the program with Arnold Palmer, AHEAD headwear is also represented on the 2010 PGA TOUR by Retief Goosen, Aaron Baddeley and Jim Furyk.

About AHEAD
AHEAD® is a designer and marketer of branded headwear, apparel and accessories. Headquartered in New Bedford, Mass., the company operates four distinct business units: the AHEAD® men's apparel line; AHEAD® Headgear, AHEAD® "Heavy Metal™" line of golf accessories and the Kate Lord™ Collection of ladies hats, ladies apparel and ladies accessories. AHEAD is a supporting partner of PGA Golf Retirement Plus, a licensee of the USGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the official headwear of the AJGA. For information on AHEAD, visit www.aheadweb.com.

About IMG Licensing
IMG Licensing is the premier independent licensing agency in the world. Since 1962, IMG Licensing has been one of the core business units of IMG and with nearly 50 years of experience IMG Licensing offers an unparalleled resource in the licensing of sporting brands. IMG Licensing also offer expertise in a number of different markets and services outside of sports, including corporate trademarks, brands, and entertainment and celebrity properties. In April 2009, IMG Licensing was voted the No. 1 Licensing Agent in the annual Top 20 List in License Magazine.

Media Contact:
Jackie Beck, 860.304.3643, jackiebeck00@hotmail.com
Tricia Hornsby, 770-618-8418, tricia.hornsby@imgworld.com

Posted by scurry at 03:46 PM

ARNOLD PALMER TO SERVE AS HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF 2010 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN AT OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB

June 22, 2010

OAKMONT, PA – The United States Golf Association and Oakmont Country Club announced today that western Pennsylvania native Arnold Palmer has been named the honorary chairman of the 65th U.S. Women's Open, to be held at Oakmont Country Club from July 5-11, 2010.

"We approached Arnold to serve in this capacity because we wanted to honor his lifelong commitment to the game of golf and his connection to western Pennsylvania, Oakmont Country Club and the United States Golf Association," said Carol Semple Thompson, general chairman of the 2010 U.S. Women's Open and World Golf Hall of Fame member.

By serving as honorary chairman, Palmer will assist in the promotion of the championship by appearing in a ticket sales advertising campaign. He will appear at an exhibition during the week of the championship to welcome the crowds back to Oakmont.

Palmer, a Latrobe, Pa., native, competed in four U.S. Opens at Oakmont Country Club including his final Open appearance in 1994. Palmer's most memorable performance at Oakmont came in 1962, when he lost to Jack Nicklaus in an 18-hole playoff.

"It is an honor to serve as honorary chairman for the U.S. Women's Open and the USGA," said Palmer, who added with a chuckle, "It will be fun to participate in a championship that I could never win."

Deacon Palmer, Arnold's father, was the head professional and greens keeper at Latrobe Country Club and introduced him to the game a very young age. Arnold was awarded a golf scholarship from Wake Forest University but left to serve his country as part of the United States Coast Guard. After a three-year break from the game, Palmer returned to competitive golf and won the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Shortly thereafter, Palmer began playing golf professionally and has recorded an impressive 92 wins during his lengthy career, including one U.S. Open Championship, one U.S. Senior Open Championship and four victories at The Masters Tournament.

For additional information on the 2010 U.S. Women's Open, please visit www.2010uswomensopen.com. Championship tickets are now on sale and limited volunteer positions are still available.

About the 2010 U.S. Women's Open
The 2010 U.S. Women's Open will bring a field of 156 of the world's best professional and amateur women golfers to Oakmont Country Club. It will be the second time the Women's Open will be contested at Oakmont. Patty Sheehan won the 1992 championship in a playoff over Juli Inkster after finishing at 4- under-par for 72 holes of regulation play.

About the USGA
The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the world's golfers and golf courses.

The Association's most visible role is played out each season in conducting 13 national championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open. Ten additional USGA national championships are exclusively for amateurs, and include the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Women's Amateur.

The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System and administers an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to successful programs that bring the game's values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

-30-

Contact: Lindsay Weber – 2010 U.S. Women's Open – lweber@2010uswomensopen.com - (412) 828-2010
Tom Wallace – Oakmont Country Club – twallace@oakmont-countryclub.org – (412) 828-8000

Posted by scurry at 10:14 AM

Fifty years ago, Arnold Palmer summoned the stuff of legend at the U.S. Open

June 15, 2010

By Jeff Shain, Orlando Sentinel

The then-30-year-old Palmer's famous charge in the final round of the 1960 Open at Cherry Hills, beginning with his determined effort to drive the green at the 346-yard first hole, laid the groundwork for a 65 and a stirring victory that brought the Hall of Famer his only Open title.

Read the full story on OrlandoSentinel.com

Posted by scurry at 03:54 PM

ARNOLD PALMER ATTENDS THE ANNUAL U.S. OPEN ROLEX DINNER

June 14, 2010

PEBBLE BEACH, CA – For more than 30 years, Arnold Palmer has made an appearance for Rolex at their annual U.S. Open dinner for partners and guests, which is somewhere at or near the famous event on the Monday night of Open week.

This year the dinner will be staged at the Beach Club at Pebble Beach and hosted by Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex USA.

During the last few years, Jim Nantz has emceed the event and conducted a conversation with Palmer to entertain guests.

"Rolex is one of my long-standing partners and I look forward to the event each and every year." said Palmer.

"Being on the board at Pebble Beach and working on the course for this year's Open makes it even that more special."

Posted by scurry at 05:30 PM

Big 3 reunite to raise more than $15 Million for Mountain Mission

June 09, 2010

BRISTOL, Va. -- Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have set many records over the course of their Hall of Fame careers, but what happened on Tuesday at The Olde Farm Golf Club will be hard to top.

"The Big 3" came together to help raise $15,149,183.98 in The Big 3® for the Mountain Mission Kids sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, a 19-hole scramble event in which they competed against 19 different teams of three amateur players for the benefit of the Mountain Mission School.

"The Big 3" won the competition with a 10-under 63 defeating the amateur teams by three strokes, but the real winner was Mountain Mission School. The $15.1 million raised is the most ever by a golf tournament in a single day.

"What happened here today is very special and this is a historic occasion," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem on Tuesday. "The efforts of Jim McGlothin, Johnson & Johnson, the membership of The Olde Farm and especially 'The Big 3' really epitomize what we mean when we say that Together, anything's possible."

The Big 3® for the Mountain Mission Kids, sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, was organized by Grundy native Jim McGlothlin, founder of The Olde Farm and a longtime benefactor of the school.

"To be able to do this is a testament to the hard work of a lot of dedicated people," said McGlothlin. "It is very rewarding to be able to make this donation to the Mountain Mission School. The work they do there is incredible and is making a huge difference in the lives of many kids."

"I am very happy to thank all of you who have made such a wonderful contribution," said Palmer. "It was a privilege and honor to be here today."

"The day was spectacular," said Nicklaus. "We go to a lot of places and we raise a lot of money, but I have never seen a group that has absolutely been as philanthropic as you."

"There was great enthusiasm that took place here today," said Player. "This is a country of giving back. I've been coming back for 55 years and people are always giving back. It's such a fantastic thing."

Historic Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Va., which has sheltered and educated an estimated 20,000 needy children over its 87 years, will receive substantial support from the event. The school operates entirely from private donations and today's efforts will help establish a sustained endowment for Mountain Mission School.

Mountain Mission School is a non-profit institution that 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 under the age of seven.

A one-hour special about the Mountain Mission School and The Big 3® for the Mountain Mission Kids will air Saturday, July 10 from 2-3:00 p.m. ET prior to the third-round telecast of the PGA TOUR's John Deere Classic on CBS.

To find out more about The Big 3® for the Mountain Mission Kids and how you can help, log onto PGATOUR.COM/Together or to make a donation directly through PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. to support Mountain Mission School click here.

Posted by scurry at 03:26 PM

ARNOLD PALMER INTERVIEW ON PEBBLE BEACH

June 02, 2010

LATROBE, PA - Arnold Palmer discusses the recent changes to the Pebble Beach Golf Links that he and his golf course design company recently performed for the upcoming 2010 U.S. Open.

The primary purpose of the course renovation was to maintain Pebble Beach's historic value.

"It's been a great privilege for me to be on the board at Pebble. And of course my position as a board member is looking after the golf course and the operations that concern the golf course. We tried to really keep it, much as the intentions for maintaining the historic value of the golf course. And of course for me to be doing it, it has been a lot of fun." said Palmer.

"We're extremely pleased to have the Open coming and to work with the USGA. We think it's going to be one of the great Opens of all time."

In looking at old photos of the course, Palmer and his design team "put the golf course where it was when it was beginning." said Palmer. "We tried to restore the greens to their original positions." Play will be shaped in the U.S. Open this year with the changes to the fairways and "will force the players to go closer to the ocean."

The most dramatic hole changes were:

• Hole #1 - Restored green & greenside bunkering to original from 1918 photo
• Hole #3 - Added bunkers on the right side of the fairway; turns hole visually to the left
• Hole #4 - Added a trio of new bunkers short and left of the green
• Hole #6 - Reconfigured bunkering left of fairway to tighten landing area
• Hole #18 - Replaced pine in front of the green with cypress

A total of 4 greens and 16 bunkers were rebuilt, altered or installed. 11 tees were enhanced and 6 holes have new or adjusted trees.

The total length of the course is now 7,014 yards with an average green size of 3,500 sq. ft.

So how will PGA TOUR players fare with the changes at this year's U.S. Open? "I would look for the scores to be pretty good. Moving the hitting areas to the ocean on 9 of the holes is going to have some effect and the fact that some of the greens are smaller will also have an effect. I look for a great tournament. I think the excitement of seeing the guys scoring well at Pebble will be good, but they'll be some disasters too." said Palmer.

[Click here to download a Quicktime of the whole interview. ] Length 20 Min / 48MB

---

Palmer discusses the Pebble Beach renovation

Courtesy of the USGA

Posted by scurry at 03:12 PM

The Day Arnie Threw Down

May 28, 2010

By Kaye W. Kessler - Colorado AvidGolfer

Fifty years have passed since Arnold Palmer’s epic comeback to win the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills--and the story never gets old.

Read the full article

Posted by scurry at 04:40 PM

Big 3 Golf Legends Palmer, Nicklaus, Player Team Up for Charity Event at The Olde Farm

BRISTOL, VA. - Three of the world's renowned golf legends are coming to Bristol, Va., this summer to join forces and raise money for children attending Mountain Mission School, located in Grundy, Va. On June 8, The Olde Farm will host golf's Big 3, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, in a charity event to benefit the children and establish a sustained endowment for Mountain Mission School.

The Big 3 for Mountain Mission Kids, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, is a unique, one-day golf event featuring a 19-hole scramble match pairing Nicklaus, Palmer and Player competing with three different amateur sponsor teams on each hole.

The Olde Farm club grounds will open at 9 a.m. on June 8, with introductions and a Big 3 warm up beginning at 12:30 p.m. The 19- hole scramble kicks off at 1 p.m., concluding at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation ceremony on the 19th hole.

Tickets are available for the June 8 event by visiting www.thebig3forthekids.com, calling 276-669-1042 or e-mail Ajessee@theoldefarm.com.

Posted by scurry at 12:11 PM

GREATER PITTSBURGH GOLF PREMIERE AT PALMER'S LATROBE COUNTRY CLUB TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

May 20, 2010

LATROBE, PA – On Monday June 7, Arnold Palmer will be the Premiere Honoree for the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Premiere which raises funds for the Western Pennsylvania Region of the American Cancer Society.

The upscale golf outing and dinner will be hosted at Mr. Palmer's summer home course Latrobe Country Club.

The event is the second Western PA Premiere. The first in 2009 was at Sewickley Heights CC in Pittsburgh and it honored Pittsburgh TV news anchor Peggy Finnegan and the area's most famous and successful woman amateur golfer Carol Semple Thompson.

The 2010 event is expected to raise more than the $130,000 made in 2009.

Posted by scurry at 05:15 PM

PALMER TO RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS

May 11, 2010

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – Arnold Palmer and two other multiple winners of the British Open will be honored by Scotland’s oldest university on the eve of the 139th Open Championship at St. Andrews. Palmer will join fellow American Tom Watson and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington at a ceremony on Tuesday, July 13, when they will be awarded honorary degrees by the University of St. Andrews in the town’s Younger Hall.

The University will award the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa in recognition of their achievements and outstanding contributions to the game of golf.

The awards ceremony - a traditional feature of Open Week in St Andrews - will take place at 3 p.m. on July 13th in the University's graduation venue at Younger Hall in North Street, St Andrews.

The degrees will be conferred by University Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the ceremony. Tickets are free and interest may be registered by email to golfgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk

University Principal Dr Louise Richardson said : "Individually and collectively, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington exemplify excellence, drive and achievement at the highest levels of professional sport."

"This will be an opportunity for St Andrews and Scotland to honour their determination and achievement in the game of golf and the pursuit of excellence. We are absolutely delighted that they have agreed to accept these Honorary Degrees at the home of golf on the eve of the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship."

Founded in the 15th century, St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world.

The University is one of Europe's most research intensive seats of learning. It is one of the world's top rated for research, teaching quality and student satisfaction and is consistently ranked among the UK's top five universities.

Previous recipients of Honorary Degrees from St Andrews include golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Peter Thomson and Peter Allis. All have been invited to this year's ceremony to witness their fellow professionals receive their degrees.

Posted by scurry at 09:09 AM

PALMER ATTENDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUAIL HOLLOW

May 04, 2010

CHARLOTTE, NC – Golf legend Arnold Palmer will be attending a dinner honoring the 50th anniversary of Quail Hollow Club on May 6. Palmer was personally invited by his long-time close friend John Harris.

The club has hosted a number of PGA TOUR events - Kemper Open '69-79; World Seniors Invitational '80-89 and the TOUR returned to Quail Hollow in 2004. The 2010 championship will have been played the week before the anniversary celebration.

The course was originally designed by golf course architect George Cobb in 1961 to capture the beauty as well as challenging terrain of the Piedmont region.

From 1985 to 1986, Palmer and his golf course design company made modifications to holes 3, 7, 9, and 17.

Palmer, a long-time Quail Hollow member, has many friends at the club and for years had a home on the 15th hole. Palmer was part owner of the city's only Cadillac dealerships for many years and his name remains on the dealership through a licensing agreement to this day.

"I'm looking forward to catching up with a lot of my old friends." said Palmer.

Posted by scurry at 04:34 PM

ARNOLD PALMER PRESENTS JIM NANTZ WITH THE 2009 NATIONAL SPORTSCASTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

May 03, 2010

SALISBURY, NC – May 3, 2010, golf legend Arnold Palmer presented Jim Nantz with the 2009 National Sportscaster of the Year award in Salisbury, NC. The award is given by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

"He's been a friend, a great broadcaster and a great guy. Jim has been so good to the sports industry and the golf industry." said Palmer in his speech.

This marks the fifth time and third consecutive year, Jim will be honored with this prestigious award (1998, 2005, 2007 and 2008).

"He's very special to me," Nantz explained. "And when I won this award I called him and said, 'Arnold, I would give anything if you would come to Salisbury on May 3 and present the National Sportscaster of the Year Award to me.' I expected him to say something like, 'I'll check the calendar.' But he said, 'I'll be there.' It took him a millisecond to say yes. That's Arnold Palmer."

At the NSSA Awards Dinner, Bob Ryan of The Boston Globe will receive the National Sportswriter of the Year award; baseball's Peter Gammons and football's John Madden will be inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportwriters Association Hall of Fame.

Posted by scurry at 06:29 AM

PALMER ATTENDS 2010 KENTUCKY DERBY

April 23, 2010

LOUISVILLE, KY – Golf legend Arnold Palmer and his wife Kit will be attending, for the first time ever, the 136th Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the USA's oldest thoroughbred horse races which first began in 1875.

The race is known in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.

"I'm pretty excited to attend this event so steeped in American tradition." said Palmer.

"My wife Kit has good Irish luck. Maybe she'll pick the winner."

Posted by scurry at 04:39 PM

Arnold Palmer named honorary chairman of Mylan Classic

April 12, 2010

CANONSBURG, Pa. -- One of Western Pennsylvania's most prominent and respected native sons, Arnold Palmer, has agreed to serve as Honorary Chairman for the inaugural playing of his home state's new Nationwide Tour event, the Mylan Classic presented by CONSOL Energy.

The 2010 Mylan Classic will be played Sept. 2-5 at Southpointe Golf Club in the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, preceded by a pro-am on Sept. 1. All four rounds will be televised on Golf Channel in the U.S., with the event reaching 123 countries overseas.

"I gladly accepted this offer when approached by Rod Piatt," said Palmer. "I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the Nationwide Tour and the significant impact it has on the PGA TOUR. Now in its 21st year, the Tour has done much to advance the level of competition in professional golf and prepare many of the sport's most talented young players for life on the PGA TOUR. I congratulate Mylan and key supporting sponsors CONSOL Energy and Dick's Sporting Goods for bringing this wonderful event to the golf fans of Western Pennsylvania. I hope they come out in big numbers to support the tournament."

"Having Mr. Palmer's support of the inaugural Mylan Classic at Southpointe is a true honor and I know that all of the golf fans in Western Pennsylvania are proud to have such a goodwill ambassador of golf associated with this exciting event," said Rod Piatt, who is Mylan Classic Co-Chairman along with Jeff Kotula of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Added Mylan Chairman and CEO Robert J. Coury, "We feel truly privileged that Arnold Palmer will be participating in the Mylan Classic in this very special way. While his golf career has certainly been nothing short of legendary, his reputation for helping to raise funds for numerous charitable organizations is just as impressive. He is the perfect Honorary Chairman for an event that combines the celebration of golf with the desire to give back to our local community and its charities."

"Arnold Palmer is synonymous with golf in Western Pennsylvania and has been for 60 years," said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. "It is very fitting that he lend his name and reputation to help launch the Nationwide Tour's Mylan Classic in what amounts to his backyard. Mr. Palmer has always been very supportive of the Nationwide Tour and we can't thank him enough for providing his seal of approval to this new tournament."

Palmer was born and raised in Latrobe, Pa., about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. The 1974 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee spends his summer months in his beloved Latrobe and plays regularly at Latrobe Country Club, which he owns and operates.

Palmer is a self-professed fan of the Nationwide Tour, and his grandson, Sam Saunders, who aspires to play on the PGA TOUR, made his national professional debut last September at the Nationwide Tour's Albertsons Boise Open presented by Kraft in Idaho.

Posted by scurry at 03:22 PM

PALMER DRAINS 65-FOOT PUTT AT THE 2010 MASTERS PAR-3 TOURNAMENT

April 10, 2010

Four-time Masters Champion Arnold Palmer hit the first tee shot of the 74th Masters Tournament Thursday morning with his longtime friend and competitor Jack Nicklaus.

Joining Palmer and Nicklaus on Wednesday for the Par-3 Tournament was Gary Player, completing golf's legendary "Big 3".

The Par-3 Tournament is a Masters tradition that gives golfers a chance to relax with their families on the day before the major event.

The first tee held much fanfare with the legends having a jovial time, each taking a mulligan.

On the 9th hole of the Par-3 Tournament Palmer drained a 65-foot snake. "The putt made my week." said Palmer. The beautiful line conjured up over 50 years of memories, most especially those from 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964 when Palmer won his green jackets.

During the press conference Palmer was asked How do you feel about the reception you get walking from the clubhouse all the way to the tee box and the fans just adore you?

"Well, that's wonderful and it's a great feeling and just typifies Augusta and what happens here, the politeness of the crowds, it's just overwhelming. I look forward to it. I think about it before I get here, I get nervous, even now, and I'm not playing anymore. So you know what it was like when I was playing."

For live coverage of the 74th Annual Masters Event visit www.masters.com.

Posted by scurry at 10:30 AM

PALMER AT THE 2010 MASTERS

April 07, 2010

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 does every year, Palmer attended the Champions Dinner on Tuesday in the historic Augusta National clubhouse. Angel Cabrerra, the defending champion, hosted the dinner, at which virtually all of the living former winners of the classic event, playing or non-playing, gathered.

Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. EST on ESPN, Palmer will play the annual Par 3 event with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

Palmer serves as the Honorary Starter on Thursday, April 8 at 8:00 a.m. EST and joining him this year will be his long-time rival and friend Jack Nicklaus, each hitting tee shots on the first tee to launch the 2010 Masters. Palmer is 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. "It's an extra pleasure to have my old friend Jack joining me on the first tee this year."

Posted by scurry at 11:14 AM

2010 ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD - FINAL LEADERBOARD RESULTS

March 29, 2010

Final leaderboard results of the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

	Pos	Start	Player		Overall	Today		R1	R2	R3	R4	Total
	1.	1	Els, Ernie		-11	-1		68	69	69	71	277
	2.	4	Molinari, Edoardo		-9	-3		70	70	70	69	279
	2.	4	Na, Kevin		-9	-3		68	70	72	69	279
	4.	3	Couch, Chris		-8	-1		70	70	69	71	280
	4.	6	Goosen, Retief		-8	-3		71	67	73	69	280
	6.	2	Curtis, Ben		-7	+2		70	67	70	74	281
	7.	12	Hayes, J.P.		-6	-2		70	72	70	70	282
	7.	12	Imada, Ryuji		-6	-2		73	70	69	70	282
	7.	6	Streelman, Kevin		-6	-1		68	75	68	71	282
	7.	12	Trahan, D.J.		-6	-2		69	68	75	70	282
	11.	6	Furyk, Jim		-4	+1		71	74	66	73	284
	11.	6	Lamely, Derek		-4	+1		71	70	70	73	284
	11.	12	Marino, Steve		-4	E		70	70	72	72	284
	14.	16	Allenby, Robert		-3	E		68	73	72	72	285
	14.	6	Love III, Davis		-3	+2		66	71	74	74	285
	14.	32	Van Pelt, Bo		-3	-2		72	70	73	70	285
	17.	23	Baird, Briny		-2	E		72	72	70	72	286
	17.	16	Choi, K.J.		-2	+1		71	69	73	73	286
	17.	16	Haas, Bill		-2	+1		72	71	70	73	286
	17.	46	Points, D.A.		-2	-3		73	72	72	69	286
	21.	46	Holmes, J.B.		-1	-2		66	74	77	70	287
	21.	32	Howell III, Charles		-1	E		72	72	71	72	287
	21.	23	O'Hair, Sean		-1	+1		70	73	71	73	287
	24.	56	Davis, Brian		E	-2		74	71	73	70	288
	25.	41	Crane, Ben		+1	+1		69	74	73	73	289
	25.	23	Day, Jason		+1	+3		71	70	73	75	289
	25.	59	Mahan, Hunter		+1	-2		71	73	75	70	289
	25.	32	Senden, John		+1	+2		71	74	70	74	289
	25.	6	Weekley, Boo		+1	+6		70	73	68	78	289
	30.	32	Ames, Stephen		+2	+3		73	71	71	75	290
	30.	23	Appleby, Stuart		+2	+4		70	74	70	76	290
	30.	59	Clark, Tim		+2	-1		74	70	75	71	290
	30.	41	Compton, Erik		+2	+2		72	71	73	74	290
	30.	46	Kelly, Jerry		+2	+1		71	74	72	73	290
	30.	16	Mickelson, Phil		+2	+5		71	67	75	77	290
	30.	16	Petrovic, Tim		+2	+5		74	68	71	77	290
	30.	59	Sabbatini, Rory		+2	-1		75	70	74	71	290
	30.	23	Snedeker, Brandt		+2	+4		72	72	70	76	290
	30.	32	Verplank, Scott		+2	+3		75	70	70	75	290
	40.	23	Green, Nathan		+3	+5		69	73	72	77	291
	40.	32	Ishikawa, Ryo		+3	+4		74	70	71	76	291
	40.	16	Johnson, Dustin		+3	+6		71	70	72	78	291
	40.	32	Leishman, Marc		+3	+4		70	73	72	76	291
	40.	16	McNeill, George		+3	+6		69	71	73	78	291
	40.	59	Molder, Bryce		+3	E		74	70	75	72	291
	40.	56	Moore, Ryan		+3	+1		72	72	74	73	291
	40.	32	Pampling, Rod		+3	+4		74	70	71	76	291
	40.	46	Perez, Pat		+3	+2		69	74	74	74	291
	40.	46	Weir, Mike		+3	+2		67	73	77	74	291
	50.	59	Fowler, Rickie		+4	+1		73	72	74	73	292
	50.	66	Saunders, Sam		+4	E		73	70	77	72	292
	52.	41	Blanks, Kris		+5	+5		74	69	73	77	293
	52.	23	Every, Matt		+5	+7		74	70	70	79	293
	52.	67	Herron, Tim		+5	E		73	72	76	72	293
	52.	23	Montgomerie, Colin		+5	+7		72	71	71	79	293
	52.	46	Schwartzel, Charl		+5	+4		74	71	72	76	293
	52.	41	Stenson, Henrik		+5	+5		67	78	71	77	293
	52.	59	Stricker, Steve		+5	+2		69	71	79	74	293
	59.	41	Cink, Stewart		+6	+6		73	72	71	78	294
	59.	46	Pettersson, Carl		+6	+5		71	73	73	77	294
	59.	59	Sutherland, Kevin		+6	+3		70	73	76	75	294
	62.	46	DiMarco, Chris		+7	+6		69	73	75	78	295
	62.	67	Ogilvie, Joe		+7	+2		76	66	79	74	295
	64.	46	Byrd, Jonathan		+8	+7		71	73	73	79	296
	64.	56	Watney, Nick		+8	+6		74	71	73	78	296
	66.	74	Barnes, Ricky		+9	E		72	71	82	72	297
	66.	32	Chopra, Daniel		+9	+10		74	71	70	82	297
	66.	23	Dufner, Jason		+9	+11		69	72	73	83	297
	66.	73	Goydos, Paul		+9	+1		70	72	82	73	297
	66.	46	Slocum, Heath		+9	+8		69	72	76	80	297
	71.	67	Immelman, Trevor		+10	+5		71	74	76	77	298
	71.	67	Kendall, Skip		+10	+5		73	71	77	77	298
	73.	74	Willis, Garrett		+11	+2		72	73	80	74	299
	74.	72	Laird, Martin		+12	+5		74	71	78	77	300
	75.	71	Teater, Josh		+14	+8		72	71	79	80	302
The following Players failed to make the Cut: +1
		76	Collins, Chad		CUT			72	74	-	-	146
		76	Hansen, Anders		CUT			73	73	-	-	146
		76	Janzen, Lee		CUT			76	70	-	-	146
		76	Jones, Matt		CUT			71	75	-	-	146
		76	Lee, Danny		CUT			75	71	-	-	146
		76	Main, Gregor		CUT			76	70	-	-	146
		76	Mallinger, John		CUT			72	74	-	-	146
		76	McCarron, Scott		CUT			76	70	-	-	146
		76	Perry, Kenny		CUT			73	73	-	-	146
		76	Stadler, Kevin		CUT			74	72	-	-	146
		86	Gamez, Robert		CUT			76	71	-	-	147
		86	Gay, Brian		CUT			74	73	-	-	147
		86	Gore, Jason		CUT			74	73	-	-	147
		86	Johnson, Zach		CUT			71	76	-	-	147
		86	Mayfair, Billy		CUT			77	70	-	-	147
		86	McDowell, Graeme		CUT			71	76	-	-	147
		86	Mediate, Rocco		CUT			73	74	-	-	147
		86	Prugh, Alex		CUT			74	73	-	-	147
		86	Quigley, Brett		CUT			74	73	-	-	147
		86	Rollins, John		CUT			70	77	-	-	147
		86	Stuard, Brian		CUT			77	70	-	-	147
		86	Taylor, Vaughn		CUT			72	75	-	-	147
		86	Watson, Bubba		CUT			76	71	-	-	147
		86	Wilson, Mark		CUT			70	77	-	-	147
		100	Rose, Justin		CUT			75	73	-	-	148
		101	Duval, David		CUT			73	76	-	-	149
		101	Funk, Fred		CUT			75	74	-	-	149
		101	Gillis, Tom		CUT			75	74	-	-	149
		101	Ikeda, Yuta		CUT			76	73	-	-	149
		101	Simpson, Webb		CUT			73	76	-	-	149
		101	Toms, David		CUT			71	78	-	-	149
		107	An, Byeong-Hun		CUT			77	73	-	-	150
		107	De Jonge, Brendon		CUT			76	74	-	-	150
		107	Flesch, Steve		CUT			77	73	-	-	150
		107	Magee, Andrew		CUT			76	74	-	-	150
		107	Villegas, Camilo		CUT			77	73	-	-	150
		107	Wi, Charlie		CUT			78	72	-	-	150
		113	Allen, Michael		CUT			72	79	-	-	151
		113	Matteson, Troy		CUT			79	72	-	-	151
		113	Owen, Greg		CUT			77	74	-	-	151
		113	Palmer, Ryan		CUT			74	77	-	-	151
		117	Lovemark, Jamie		CUT			75	79	-	-	154
		118	Campbell, Michael		CUT			80	81	-	-	161
		118	Keymont, Mike		CUT			84	77	-	-	161
		94	Elkington, Steve		WD			75	-	-	-	75

Posted by scurry at 03:38 PM

Flyin' High

The Backspin Issue: 1960

As Ben Hogan was making a begrudging exit from and Jack Nicklaus a grand entrance onto golf's main stage, Arnold Palmer was front and center as the game's soaring, incandescent figure

By Curt Sampson - Golf Digest

Posted by scurry at 10:58 AM

Esquire Magazine: The 75 Best Dressed Men of All Time

March 28, 2010

Esquire Magazine's 75 Best Dressed Men of All Time...And we mean all time. Real and fictional, at home and abroad. So sit back, relax, and take a few notes: there’s wisdom in these here clothes.

Esquire describes Arnie's lesson in wisdom: Keep it simple. Solid shirt, solid chinos, dark socks and shoes. Maybe a cardigan. That's it.

View the list at Esquire. Palmer is slide #31.

Also, Esquire's article on "How to Dress for Golf" - If you want to look great while playing, think more Arnold Palmer, less Rodney Dangerfield

Read "How to Dress for Golf"

Posted by scurry at 09:45 AM

Philosophical Differences: The New Bay Hill Course

March 24, 2010

By JEFF BABINEAU - Golfweek Custom Media

In September of last year, Arnold Palmer was at Bay Hill to help re-open the club that has been part of his life for four-plus decades after its significant summer renovation. The greens have been re-graded and now feature new Emerald Bermudagrass, and the bunkering around the nearly 7,400-yard layout has been redone and altered dramatically. Mainly, whereas the old Bay Hill was known for lots of subtle, hidden bunkering, the renovation brings the new bunkering front and center before the golfer. It’s sure to get the pros’ attention.

Palmer and the folks at Bay Hill have undergone a philosophical change when it comes to the tournament as well. Mainly, let the players shoot what they’re going to shoot in relation to par. In the past, the fourth and 16th holes, which play as par 5s for members, have been transformed into somewhat awkward par 4s during tournament week, making Bay Hill a par 70.

Thus, when Tiger Woods made a dramatic, curling birdie putt at 18 to capture his sixth Bay Hill title last March and shoot 275, he was listed at only 5 under.
“Our purpose has changed a little,” Palmer said. “Par 4s to par 5s, we’re going to rethink that...with the thinking that the galleries enjoy seeing the players make birdies. We’re going to par 72 and give them an opportunity to make birdies.”

The change at 16 had been somewhat controversial, altering a hole where players once could move up the leaderboard on Sundays with eagles and birdies. Some of the biggest moments in the tournament’s history happened there.

“It was a little bit debatable. I think there’s a risk/reward situation there (at 16),” Palmer said. “If I can keep them on the back of that tee, it will still be somewhat of a challenge. Fact is, it will be fun watching guys coming down the stretch.”

Roughs around the greens have been cut to shorter lengths, allowing more chipping (and possibly putting) options for players, and the new greens feature not only many more possible hole locations, but many more runoff areas. One other significant change could come at the 425-yard, dogleg-right 15th hole, where players could possibly tee off from the 11th tee, across Bay Hill Boulevard. With the new tee, the hole would play at roughly 460 yards and bring reshaped fairway bunkers more into play.

“I don’t think the PGA Tour will put it there,” he said of the 15th tee moving across the road, an idea sparked by Erik Larsen of the Palmer Design Group. Palmer added with a sly grin, “It’s their call. If they choose to, I’ll support it 100 percent.”

---

Bay Hill Changes in Summary

Greens -- Every green has been redesigned and rebuilt except for No. 18, which was just rebuilt. Slopes were flattened out around the edges to make all corners available for hole locations, which was not an option in the past.

Bunkers -- Fairway and greenside bunkers were all redesigned and relocated closer to the greens or fairways to be more of a strategic figure than in the past. Forward edges have also been lowered so that players will be able to see the bunkers better. New hole locations will bring greenside bunkers more into play.

Tees -- All the tees have been redone. The main changes in regards to positioning include the No. 2 tee being moved about 8-9 yards to the right, the No. 4 tee pushed farther back as the hole will now play as a par-5, and the opportunity to play a new tee across the road on No. 15.

Pond Banks -- The pond banks at No. 3 and No. 6 were excavated and the mucky material was replaced to create a firmer stance. The pond bank on No. 6 was enlarged by 8-10 yards and the grass bank was beefed up to be approximately 1-2 feet above the water. The fairway line did not change but whereas there was approximately 40-50 feet of rough on the right-hand side, there is now approximately 10-12 feet of rough.

Posted by scurry at 04:31 PM

READY TO SHOWCASE REVAMPED BAY HILL

March 03, 2010

With his prized course upgraded, Arnold Palmer eager for the latest edition of tournament that bears his name

Arnold Palmer reached age 80 in September, but as much as he enjoyed the celebrations marking the occasion, golf’s legendary King admits that the rebirth of his prized layout, the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, was a much more enjoyable experience last autumn.

Palmer oversaw a major renovation of Bay Hill, the renowned course in Orlando, Florida, that he has owned for four decades and which has hosted a PGA TOUR event since 1979, and he is eager to see the game’s best players take on his remodeled creation when the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard returns for its 32nd edition March 22-28.

“We’re all very excited for this year’s tournament and to have the players come here and play the golf course and see what we’ve done,” Palmer said with noted enthusiasm as he talked about the upgrades to a course already considered one of the great ball-striking tests in golf. We’ve had numerous players come in here already and play the golf course, and the reaction we’ve gotten is very good. We think it’s going to be an exciting week of golf.”

While Palmer assures that the ball-striking examination has not been altered appreciably at Bay Hill, the course is in every way strengthened, starting with new tees and greens. Bunkers have been repositioned throughout and the length of the layout has been stretched modestly to clock in at 7,381 yards. The most noticeable change to the layout is that the bunkers, while repositioned, also have been made more visible, with their sculpted faces pulled to the tops of mounds. Flanking bunkers have been replaced by more offset traps, while bunkers around the greens have been tucked closer to the putting surfaces. Finally, many of the greens feature runoff areas where once rough or bunkers were in play, providing new short-game challenges.

While those tweaks might signal a change in philosophy, Palmer will tell you it merely strengthens the intrinsic value of the course that already was in place.

“We haven’t changed the bottom line on what the golf course is, what the shot values are, but a lot of holes we’ve actually strengthened in that regard,” Palmer says. “We’ve created some tougher pin positions, too. We looked at ways to make improvements and make it more challenging. It’s just all-around a better golf course and one that should provide a strong, fair test.”

One more adjustment that Palmer made was restoring tournament par to 72 after a three-year trial playing the Championship Course at par-70. The par-five fourth and 16th holes were converted to par-fours strictly for the tournament, but Palmer decided that he’d rather see the contestants go for scoring, perhaps in the manner that he used to do in his prime. “We’ve decided it’s more fun to see the guys go out and try to make birdies and eagles than to see them maybe settling for pars or putting up other scores.”

One of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard traditionally draws one of the strongest fields among golf tournaments from around the world, and it boasts an impressive array of winners, including six-time champion Tiger Woods and other recent winners such as Chad Campbell, Ernie Els, Paul Goydos, Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, and Vijay Singh.

Palmer says that he has enjoyed watching the early portion of the golf season unfold and seeing a mixture of young and established players excel on the West Coast. He believes the game remains on a solid foundation. “I think the TOUR is holding its own; it’s doing well,” he says. “I’ve talked to (PGA TOUR commissioner) Tim Finchem, and it’s encouraging what’s happening out there. The consistency of the TOUR is good, and the players are showing continued good play. I think we’re going to see more young people do well.”

While golf is still a passion for Palmer, he finds that other causes occupy more of his time is occupied, causes that take on ever greater importance as the years pass and are near and dear to him. “I’m very involved in the Arnold Palmer Medical Center here, and we’re very happy with what’s happening there. I’m also quite involved in cancer research, and we’re doing a lot of work along those lines. That is something very, very important to me,” Palmer says. “We’re also working with Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson, various medical centers … and all of that is keeping me busy, and I like that. I like doing all of that.

“Golf, well, it’s not the big thing on my list anymore,” the King adds. “It’s in my rearview mirror for the most part as far as me playing a great deal. But I’ll always have golf in me. I can’t bring it out like I used to, but it’s always in there, and it’s always a part of the things that I do and enjoy.”

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 Bay Hill ticket office 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.

-30-

Media Contact:
Bev Norwood
bnorwood@arnoldpalmerinvitational.com

Posted by scurry at 12:36 PM

National Professional Golf Tour by Arnold Palmer Golf Management

February 22, 2010

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Up until now it's mainly been PGA and Nationwide golfers who could experience the exhilaration of playing on tour and competing for big purses. But now there is the NPGT, the National Professional Golf Tour presented by Arnold Palmer Golf Management has created the first professional developmental tour that is affordable & convenient and played on the national stage.

The National Professional Golf Tour will afford players the opportunity to play in a more convenient and affordable competitive environment. Players will not be required to travel all over their state or region to find a tournament. No more weekly travel costs, hotel & restaurant expenses or outrageous entry fees. Join the hundreds of professional golfers who will experience the courses, competition and benefits of the NPGT.

A $1200.00 annual membership fee grants players an opportunity to compete in any of the 22 markets across the country. Membership also gives a player the chance to qualify for the $25,000 National Cup match play event, PGA Q-School, $10,000 Player of the Year award, the $500,000.00 Tour Championship and a chance to win the $100,000.00 first place prize money.

The National Professional Golf Tour will be comprised of professional golfers throughout North America and beyond who will compete for prestige, cash purses, paid entry into the PGA Q-School and valuable tournament experience that will help prepare them for the next step towards the ultimate goal of playing on the PGA or Nationwide Tours.

This is a chance for all aspiring professional golfers to experience a similar exhilaration and excitement as those playing at the next level. The NPGT brings developmental golf to a whole new level. The NPTG season opener is set for the first of April 2010.

Larry Lunsford (Executive Director)
Phone (949) 355-5786
llunsford@nationalprotour.com
www.nationalprotour.com
34145 Pacific Coast HWY # 631
Dana Point, CA 92629

Posted by scurry at 04:02 PM

Arnold Palmer Isn’t Your Typical Business Jet Traveler

February 01, 2010

Business Jet Traveler
Interview by Stephen Pope

Arnold Palmer isn’t your typical business jet traveler. A curiosity about airplanes–and a fear of flying on early airliners–led him to the pilot’s seat in 1956. He was just 27 then, but his aggressive play on the golf course and magnetic personality already were hinting at the greatness to come. Palmer won his first major two years later at the 1958 Masters in a dramatic televised finish that made him a household name and gave rise to a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army.”

A lifetime later, Palmer, now 80, has amassed about 18,000 hours at the controls of more aircraft types than even he can recall. He has owned 10 airplanes, progressing from his first, a 1961 Aero Commander 500, to his current ride, a Cessna Citation X twinjet he bought in 2002. He still flies the Citation X with longtime chief pilot Pete Luster about 150 to 200 hours a year, including for regular trips between his homes in Latrobe, Pa. (where he grew up the son of the golf pro and head groundskeeper at Latrobe Country Club), and Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the golf course he owns in Orlando, Fla.

Read the full story

Posted by scurry at 11:37 AM

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Helps Orlando Health Collect 24 Pallets of Supplies for Haiti

January 25, 2010

Partners with Harvest Time International to deliver supplies

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 25, 2010) --- Today, Orlando Health delivered the first of 24 pallets of supplies to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The first shipment, consisting of 10 pallets of personal hygiene items, donated by Orlando Health team members, was delivered to Harvest Time International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is active in providing relief, both emergency and long-term, to hurricane, tornado, floods, etc. in Central Florida as well as nationally and internationally.

Orlando Health team member volunteers sorted, palletized and stretch-wrapped the donated supplies in preparation for the deliveries.

Last week, a group of Orlando Health team member volunteers sorted, palletized and stretch-wrapped the donated supplies in preparation for the deliveries. The donation and preparation projects gave team members a way to participate in the relief effort.

“The effects of this disaster are far-reaching, particularly here in Central Florida and Orlando Health, where many of our residents and team members are of Haitian origin with family who have been directly impacted by the earthquake,” said Michael Howell, MD, chief medical quality officer, Orlando Regional Medical Center. “The outpouring of compassion from within Orlando Health was so great, we established drop-off points to give all of our team members a way to participate in the relief effort.”

The remaining 14 pallets, consisting of 10 pallets of medical supplies and four pallets of water, will be delivered directly to a medical facility in Haiti by an international shipping company later this week. Combined, the 24 pallets represent 337 cases of supplies.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health is a $1.5 billion not-for-profit health care organization and a community-based network of hospitals and care centers in the Orlando region. The organization, which includes the area’s only Level One Trauma Centers for adults and pediatrics, is a statutory teaching hospital system that offers both specialty and community hospitals. They are: Orlando Regional Medical Center; Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children; Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies; Dr. P. Phillips Hospital; South Seminole Hospital; South Lake Hospital (50 percent partnership); St. Cloud Regional Medical Center (20 percent partnership) and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando – the first affiliate of one of the nation’s premier cancer centers The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Orlando Health’s areas of clinical excellence are heart and vascular, cancer care, neurosciences, surgery, pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine, neonatology, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Orlando Health is Central Florida’s fifth largest employer with nearly 14,000 employees and more than 2,000 affiliated physicians, all of whom support our philosophy of providing high quality care and service when it matters most. We prove this everyday with over 100,000 inpatient admissions and more than 600,000 outpatient visits each year. In all, Orlando Health serves 1.6 million Central Florida residents and nearly 3,000 international patients annually. Additionally, Orlando Health provides approximately $198 million in support of community health needs. More information can be found at www.orlandohealth.com.

Posted by scurry at 11:44 AM

ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD SOARS WITH JETBLUE AIRWAYS

January 21, 2010

-- Tournament Announces Sponsor and the Title Sponsor of Birdies for Babies — Value Airline JetBlue Airways --

ORLANDO‚ Fla. (January 19‚ 2010) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is Orlando’s signature sporting event being held March 22-28 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Now in its 32nd year‚ the tournament is pleased to announce value airline JetBlue Airways‚ as a sponsor.

JetBlue is now the official airline partner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard‚ and the preferred airline partner of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center‚ Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge and its business travel purchases and guests through 2011. JetBlue is also the title sponsor of one of the tournament’s annual fundraising programs‚ Birdies for Babies delivered by JetBlue. The airline will match the total funds raised and JetBlue will also award one of the grand prizes for the fundraiser — a package of two roundtrip flights to any of JetBlue’s 60 domestic and international destinations.

“By aligning our brand and our culture with these great partners and Arnold Palmer‚ in particular‚ we hope to inspire fun and friendly competition while giving back to the communities we serve‚'" said Dave Barger‚ CEO of JetBlue Airways. "Mr. Palmer’s personal commitment to the well being of so many through his charities is inspiring‚ and something we look forward to being a part of for years to come.”

“It’s great to have such a generous sponsorship for the Birdies for Babies program in only its second year‚ said Jeffrey Muddell‚ Arnold Palmer Medical Center vice president. “We are looking forward to raising a lot of money this year‚ especially now with the support of JetBlue.”

JetBlue will also donate complimentary flights to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center‚ which will allow the hospitals to help patients and their families with their travel needs when appropriate.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better company to align the tournament with‚” said Scott Wellington‚ Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard tournament director. “We’re very happy to see that others share the tournament’s views on the value of supporting the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and the Central Florida community.

Additionally‚ JetBlue is now the tournament sponsor for the Champions for Arnold’s Kids event being held March 21 and 22‚ 2010 and will also appear in the expo area during the tournament week. In addition to Birdies for Babies delivered by JetBlue‚ the airline will develop new volunteer programs to work directly with and support the hospitals served by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center.

For more information visit ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com.

About the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will hold its 32nd annual tournament March 22-28‚ 2010. The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is one of Central Florida’s signature events‚ a premier sporting event and a highlight of the PGA TOUR‚ attracting some of the greatest talent in golf. The entire event is overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats — Arnold Palmer. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center‚ including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

About JetBlue
Airways New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value‚ service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares‚ JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft "BetaBlue‚" a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights‚ with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 60 cities with 600 daily flights. With JetBlue‚ all seats are assigned‚ all travel is ticketless‚ all fares are one-way‚ and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583)‚ TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530 or visit www.jetblue.com.

About Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies
Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies‚ supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation‚ is a 285-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services‚ a regional center for neonatal intensive care‚ maternal intensive care and women’s services. Annually‚ more than 14̵000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital‚ making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. To learn more‚ visit www.winniepalmerhospital.com.

###

Media Contact:
Lindsey Levy‚ Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
407-841-2299 ext. 1264
llevy@pushhere.com

JetBlue Corporate Communications
718-709-2323
corporatecommunicaitons@jetblue.com

Posted by scurry at 01:23 PM

PALMER ATTENDS PHOENIX OPEN 75TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

January 11, 2010

Three-time Phoenix Open winner Arnold Palmer will be attending a luncheon for the 75th anniversary of the event Tuesday January 12, 2010 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

Palmer, who won the Open in 1961-63, will join last year's champion Kenny Perry and Golf Channel broadcaster Kraig Kann who will emcee the event.

The luncheon will focus on the history of the Phoenix Open and the host Thunderbirds.

The Open began in 1932 but was not played from 1936-38. It resumed annually in 1939, and moved from Phoenix to Scottsdale in 1987.

Palmer won the 1962 Open by 12 strokes over Jack Nicklaus and Billy Casper at the Phoenix Country Club. He took home a winner's check for $5,300. Palmer's last top-five finish at the Open was 1978.

Perry took home $1.08 million for winning the 2009 Open.

With a new sponsor, the Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played Feb. 22-28 at the TPC Scottsdale.

Posted by scurry at 10:47 AM

AP Golf Card Game, Among First Apps on Intel's AppUpSM Center

January 08, 2010

INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, Las Vegas, Jan. 8, 2010 –- As unveiled Thursday during President and CEO Paul Otellini's CES keynote speech, Intel Corporation has launched a beta version of its software application (app) store -- the Intel AppUpSM center -- for the popular category of netbook computers. The first apps are now available for free download or purchase by visiting www.intelappup.com, where consumers can find the store.

The first apps are now available for immediate free download or purchase. These apps cover education, entertainment, games, health, social networking and other categories.

Among the first apps is the Arnold Palmer Golf Card Game.

Four other Intel industry partners Acer, Asus, Dell and Samsung -- also announced store collaboration and plans.

Posted by scurry at 05:39 PM

Golf Channel Features API Trophy on the Set of Golf Central

With the year’s first telecast of Golf Central in stunning high definition, Golf Channel not only revealed the network’s new, high-definition-capable studio, it also showcased a little bit of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard to viewers around the world.

The new-look Golf Channel studio features high-tech elements and contemporary stylings, with four, separate "environments" from which various studio shows originate. In addition to the main Golf Central desk, an analyst desk and demonstration areas, the studio also features an interview/conversation area bedecked with replica trophies from some of the most noted tournaments and special events in professional golf. The API replica produced by Tiffany’s will live permanently on the set, joining others from THE PLAYERS Championship, The Presidents Cup and the FedExCup.

Posted by scurry at 04:04 PM

PALMER ON ESPN

January 05, 2010

Arnold Palmer visited the ESPN offices in Bristol Connecticut in August 2009 making an appearance on SportsCenter and while there filmed one of the renowned 'This is SportsCenter' commercials.

ESPN.com's Jason Sobel covered the entire August 26, 2009 visit by accompanying Mr. Palmer and posting periodic live blog entries throughout the day. Read "Spending the day with Arnold Palmer" on the ESPN website or listen to the Podcast.

Later in the afternoon on the ESPN campus, someone asked Mr. Palmer if he could chip a golf ball into a cup of Arnold Palmer.

Palmer delivered.

Posted by scurry at 05:16 PM

NEWPORT DUNES AND INNSBROOK MAKE GOLF DIGEST'S BEST NEW COURSES 2009

December 14, 2009

The Arnold Palmer Design Company is very proud of Newport Dunes G.C. and Innsbrook Golf & Boat Club making Golf Digest's list of America's Best New Courses of 2009. The annual ranking, which is in its 27th year, will be featured in the January 2010 issue of Golf Digest, on newsstands now. The complete rankings can be viewed online now at www.golfdigest.com/rankings/courses/new/2010/01/bestnewcourses.

Posted by scurry at 04:44 PM

PALMER TO ATTEND ICAP CHARITY DAY

December 07, 2009

NEW YORK, NY – Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer will be participating in the 2009 ICAP Charity Day in New York City Wednesday December 9th. Since its inception in 1993, ICAP’s Charity Day has raised US$100 million and supported over 700 well deserving and needy causes worldwide.

For one day in December, ALL revenue and commissions from ICAP's worldwide offices are distributed to charities. Since ICAP is driven by revenues and commissions, every single employee works a 10-hour day (at least) and all of their hard work goes straight to the charities.

Each regional ICAP office nominates charities they wish to support. Those charities can range from organizations with a national reach to local charities that help fulfill a specific need. These organizations typically change from year to year in order to further expand impact.

The selection process is based on how the charity uses donations to make a direct impact on the community and world at large. In 2007, ICAP made a donation to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located.

This year, as the golf world celebrates Arnold's 80th birthday, the hospital celebrates two decades of service. During the last 20 years, the Arnold Palmer Medical Center has delivered more than 186,000 babies, cared for more than 26,000 of those babies in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and treated more than 1.5 million patients. The Medical Center was named thePGA TOUR Charity of the Year in 2009.

Mr. Palmer will be representing his namesake Medical Center on the trading floors among other celebrities. Some of the prior NY attendees have included figures such as JonBon Jovi, Michael J Fox, Denzel Washington, Joe Torre, Yogi Berra, Katie Couric, Heather Graham, Jorge Posada, Steve Buscemi, John McEnroe, Harry Carson, David Blaine, Mary Louise Parker, Joe Montana, Anna Kornikova, Jeff Gordon, Stanley Tucci, Mat Dillon, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep and President Clinton to name a few.

More information on ICAP and Charity Day can be accessed at www.icap.com.

Posted by scurry at 04:09 PM

Arnold Palmer Medical Center Named PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

November 18, 2009

Primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational celebrating 20 years of world-class medical care

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL — The PGA TOUR announced today that the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, the primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, has been named the 2009 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.

“Congratulations to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center for being named the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year,” said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner. “The Medical Center provides essential medical care for thousands each year and is a worthy recipient of this award. The name Arnold Palmer has always been synonymous with the right things about golf and life, and the fact that a world-class medical facility has his name on it is a fitting tribute.”

The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children was founded on September 10, 1989 – Arnold Palmer’s 60th birthday. This year, as the golf world celebrates Arnold’s 80th birthday, the hospital celebrates two decades of service. During the last 20 years, the Arnold Palmer Medical Center has delivered more than 186,000 babies, cared for more than 26,000 of those babies in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and treated more than 1.5 million patients.

In 2006, care for newborns and women moved across the street to a new state-of-the-art Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. The space freed up in the original building allowed for the expansion of specialized pediatric services in the renamed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Together, these interconnected hospitals make up the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, the largest facility dedicated to the needs of babies, children and women in the nation.

“The Arnold Palmer Medical Center’s dedication and commitment to the care and treatment of children is inspirational, making it a worthy recipient of this distinguished honor,” said Chris McWilton, President, U.S. Markets, MasterCard Worldwide. “The compassion and expertise of the Center’s staff is backed up by world-class medical technology that together provides crucial medical care for thousands of young patients.”

As recipient of the 2009 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year, the Arnold Palmer Medical Center will receive $30,000 towards a future Kids’ Kidney Center, the first dedicated pediatric facility in Central Florida for children who need dialysis due to kidney disease.

“The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard is proud to honor the Arnold Palmer Medical Center as the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year,” said tournament director Scott Wellington. “Arnold Palmer and his family have had a very close relationship with the Medical Center and staff since its opening more than 20 years ago. Today, the Palmers remain dedicated to helping those in need, as well as the continued growth and advancement of the medical center’s facilities.”

About the PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.

In 2009, the three Tours compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

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Contact:
PGA TOUR, Joel Schuchmann, (904) 280-4707, joelschuchmann@pgatourhq.com

Posted by scurry at 11:47 AM

PLAY THE BAY HILL CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE WITH THE “WORLD PREMIER GOLF PACKAGE”

November 12, 2009

ORLANDO, FL. – After a summer of design renovations and greens refurbishments made under the thoughtful and expert direction of Arnold Palmer himself, the legendary Championship course at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge re-opened in grand style this September and has been well-received by members and pros.

Palmer said, "This is the best renovation I've ever done, period. I want people to be able to experience playing this incredible course."

Bay Hill’s “World Premier Golf Package” enables anyone to stay and play the same course where Tiger Woods will defend his title March 22-28, 2010 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

The exciting architectural and aesthetic enhancements that have been made to this prestigious course present new challenges yet the same thrill as would be expected from an Arnold Palmer designed course. And for a limited time, golf enthusiasts can be a part of history by being among the very first to play the enhanced course with the new World Premier Golf Package from Bay Hill.

This exclusive package includes accommodation in a luxurious room at The Lodge at Bay Hill, daily breakfast and one round of golf per person (including cart/green fee and bag of practice balls). The package is for one-, two- or three- night stays with prices starting from $212.50 (plus tax) double occupancy per person, per night. Extra nights and/or rounds of golf can be added at preferred rates, and for non-golfers a spa treatment may be substituted for golf.

The Championship course is officially re-opened to Bay Hill Club Members only on September 6, and to Lodge guests on September 14. World Premier Package rates are valid September 14, 2009 through January 15, 2010 based on availability at time of booking. For reservations, call (888) 422-9445 or make your reservations online at www.bayhill.com.

Posted by scurry at 04:55 PM

PALMER HONORED AT THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE WEST PALM BEACH GOLF COURSE

November 11, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Arnold Palmer will hit the ceremonial tee shot to officially re-open the historic West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course on Monday, November 16th after a 7-month restoration. The Grand Re-Opening will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s 1959 victory at the West Palm Beach Open Invitational, which was a regular stop for the PGA in the 50’s and 60’s and will host a Celebrity Pro-Am to support local charities.

West Palm Beach Golf Course, formerly known as the West Palm Beach Country Club, was originally established in 1921. It was moved to its present location in 1947, and it's Dick Wilson designed 18-hole, par-72, 6,759 yard championship course has been a staple for local golfers for generations.

The restored West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course emphasizes Dick Wilson’s original vision. The most notable change is the removal of non-indigenous vegetation and the framing of fairways with vast expanses natural white sandy terrain. With new grass throughout, extended tees, uncommon elevations and subtle undulations, this restored course will be a popular golf destination.

"I'm glad to see this wonderful course restored for the golfers of West Palm Beach." said Palmer.

November 16 will start in Palmer style with complimentary "Arnold Palmer" beverages at 9 a.m. at the Champions Breakfast for the participants, pros, celebrities, dignitaries, sponsors and their guests, followed by the Golf Tournament. Activities for spectators include a putting contest with a $10,000 Grand Prize opportunity, the LPGA Front Row Experience, a Ronald McDonald House Charities Junior Clinic and hourly prize giveaways. The tournament will be followed by a reception and silent auction. There will be shuttle service available to handle the demand for parking.

Also scheduled to attend: Mark McCumber, Solheim Cup Captains Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins, and other PGA and LPGA players.

The new golf course opens for public play on the following day, Tuesday November 17th.

Posted by scurry at 06:02 PM

Palmer and his Namesake Invitational Lend Support to Orlando Economic Development Commission

November 06, 2009

ORLANDO, FL — Arnold Palmer took time this week to talk to members of the Orlando Economic Development Committee’s Board and Investor Councils about what is most important to him. On the list: golf, family, helping children and economic development.

The legendary golfer, who was among the first in the world to transform his sport success into a business empire, addressed this group of EDC supporters from a room in the Lodge that he built, overlooking the Bay Hill Golf Course that he recently renovated into what he suggests is among "the best anywhere." Among many topics, Mr. Palmer spoke about his personal satisfaction at seeing the region’s recent growth as a center for the medical research and life science industries.

Arnold Palmer's connection to Central Florida dates back to the 1960s. First coming to Orlando for a tournament in 1962, he saw potential in the region that led him to buy out other investors in the then fledgling Bay Hill Club in 1969. The PGA TOUR event played at Bay Hill annually that bears his name, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has grown from humble beginnings to an event which today accounts for 165 full time jobs; more than $5 million in annual earnings, which translates in to $18.5 total spending; and attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year. Plus, proceeds benefit Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Mr. Palmer's commitment to the EDC goes even further. He personally invests in our organization through the membership of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. One of his goals for addressing this group, which was reinforced by EDC Board Chair Meg Crofton, was to encourage more local businesses to support the work of the Economic Development Commission.

Posted by scurry at 05:04 PM

PALMER SHARES MEMORIES OF EISENHOWER AT WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME PRESS CONFERENCE

November 03, 2009

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL. - Arnold Palmer's press conference yesterday at the World Golf Hall of Fame was a heart-felt one about his friend President Dwight D. Eisenhower being inducted.

Transcripts courtesy of ASAP Sports

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ARNOLD PALMER: Well, first, I'm overwhelmed with the opportunity to introduce Dwight David Eisenhower into the (tearing up) World Golf Hall of Fame. I can say that this is an opportunity that I welcome very much, and to say that the President, or Ike, or whatever you'd like to call it, The General, if there was anyone that really should be in the Golf Hall of Fame, I think he should be.

He was an avid golfer, and the part of his life that he had the opportunity to play golf was probably as happy a part of his life as he had ever spent. I had the opportunity to be with him, play golf with him, and there were times when we just sat and talked, and he enjoyed conversing about the game of golf and the things that I had done in my career, as I enjoyed listening to him talk about all his exploits in his life, from being a soldier to coming through his life to a five-star general to the President of the United States.

He was not one to elaborate too much on that. He was very conservative in his conversation. But when I pried, he was willing to talk about his exploits and some of the things that he did during the war, before the war. It just happened that he and I for some reason hit it off pretty well, and we had a lot of things in common.

I don't think many people knew that he was a pilot and flew airplanes and might have gone on to be a military pilot, but other things took the place of that as he went through his life. And when he finally got to golf, it was something, as he did everything else in his life, it was an obsession with him to do it well.

I remember talking to him about a game of golf one day, and he used to ask me what I would suggest to tell him about his game. Well, it happened to be a day that we were playing a heart exhibition in Merion in Philadelphia, and I said, "Well, Mr. President," I said, "If you kept your right elbow in a little closer to your side, I think you could get a little more power into your shots." Never thinking what was going to happen. But as you probably remember if you saw any of the military people, they always wore their belts to the side on their right side. And I suggested he keep his elbow in. I had no idea that he was going to do what he did. He kept it in so close that when we finished practicing and playing, his elbow was all bloody from keeping that elbow in close.

But that was how intent he was on playing the game of golf. And he loved to just sit and talk about what things I did in playing golf, and we exchanged. I, of course, would ask him questions about his military career and being Commander in Chief, and as I say, he didn't exploit them; he was conservative in his conversation. But the things that we talked about were fantastic. I remember a lot of them that were really very interesting.

Q. Talk a little bit about your relationship with Bob Hope and President Eisenhower.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, of course Hope was a friend. If you see the movie downstairs, you see it started at an early age for me by appearing on his show, and he was -- he just became an instant friend, as Bob Hope did with a lot of people. Through the years I had an opportunity to play quite a lot of golf with Bob, and I played in the Hope Tournament from the inception of it. Then I won the Desert Classic in its first year, which was 1960. And then from then on, it became the Bob Hope Desert Classic, and I won it five times.

So I was close to Bob and I was close to the tournament and spent a lot of time in Palm Springs with both, and of course the President, or Ike, had a home at El Dorado, and he spent a lot of time in the desert, also. Actually when his health got bad and he couldn't play golf anymore, I used to go and sit on the front porch with him and talk about golf and talk about Bob Hope as a matter of fact and the tournament, and that was fun.

And of course the President, or Ike and Bob Hope, before he got to where he couldn't play, had played some golf in the desert. And I think they both enjoyed that, the President enjoying Hope's humor, if you want to call it that. And of course the things that they did together -- I won't say it was constant, but frequently they would go out and play a little golf.

Q. What part do you think he played in help popularizing the game? I lot of people saw him as an every-man because he had been in the military and not the son of a rich guy.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, first of all, I think the President, when he started playing golf, really took to it in a hurry. As you know, the putting green at the White House and many things happened, and of course knowing Bob Hope was one of the things. I had no idea what was going to happen would happen, and that was that there was a relationship that -- my first trip to Augusta I had no idea that there was a relationship between Cliff Roberts and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it was a very close relationship that I don't think a lot of people were aware of. But they conversed a lot on the phone.

I think that Cliff Roberts handled some of the President's financial wares on Wall Street and so on. I don't know the details of that. But I do know that that was one of the things that happened. And I know that they became friends, and of course Ike played a lot of golf at Augusta with Cliff Roberts, and they became friends.

And of course one of the things that happened was that the President called Cliff during The Masters Tournament in 1958, and he said to Cliff Roberts, "Cliff, do you think it would be possible if I came to Augusta? I could play with the champion of this year's tournament?" And Cliff said, "I'll arrange it. The only thing that you have to do is get approval from the player that wins." Well, no one had any idea who that was going to be at the time.

Well, as it turned out, when I won, Cliff Roberts very early after the tournament ended came to me, and he said, "Arnie, the President wants to come and play golf with you tomorrow if you can get your schedule straightened out." And I said, "Well, if he can get his schedule straightened out, I think I can get mine straightened out.

It happened, and we became, in one day, pretty close. We talked about things other than golf. We talked about everything. And of course among the things that we talked about was getting together and playing golf in the future. And of course I made a commitment to him to make sure that we would be able to do this according to his schedule.

So that was how it really started. It was a very warm relationship from the beginning.

Q. (Inaudible.)

ARNOLD PALMER: So regular, it was hard to imagine that he did all the things that he did in his life, he was so regular. Everything he did he excelled in, from being a soldier to being a commander, a leader. He did all those things well. And I can tell you that if he had started golf a little sooner than he did, he would have been a really good player. He enjoyed the competition, he enjoyed the things that happened in his golfing career, and we played a number of exhibitions together for the Heart Association, for the Heart Fund, and he really enjoyed that.

The one that we played at Merion was against Ray Bolger and Jimmy Demaret. And of course they put it together as an alternate shot exhibition, and I can't help but remind myself and you that the first hole at Merion was a slight dogleg to the right and a little uphill. I hit my tee shot, and Ike hit one, and we walked down, and I thought that he would play my shot up to the green. It was up pretty close to the green. And he said, "Arnie, I'll hit your shot to the green," and it surprised me, and I said, "that's fine."

We got to talking about it, and I said, "Well, wait a minute, you're a good putter; why don't you let me hit your shot to the green," and then he liked that idea. I remember him smiling. I hit his shot on the green, and it was about 15, 18 feet from the hole, and he had a Cash-In putter, and I remember him putting it in the hole. You can't imagine the joy he got out of that. He just really thoroughly enjoyed that. And the day from then on was really a very enjoyable day and a very successful exhibition.

Q. Could you give us a scouting report on Ike's game?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, you must remember that he was getting pretty old, and he had a heart condition when he was playing golf. But he hit -- the tee shot that I hit to the green at Merion, he hit it good enough that I hit like a 6-iron into the green, and we made a gross 3.

We played enough golf in the early '60s, I guess, mid '60s, he could -- one day, I'm not sure where we were playing, might have been Latrobe or Laurel Valley, and he had a chance to break 80 from the regular tees. He got so doggone excited, I think he got nervous and blew the 80, shot about 82. But he was so excited about the possibility of breaking 80. And I don't know that he ever did.

He was pretty normally around 85, and he'd have a good round and get down to the low 80s occasionally.

Q. How many presidents have you played golf with?

ARNOLD PALMER: I don't know.

Q. Was he your first President?

ARNOLD PALMER: He was the first President I ever played with. And I played with ones that played golf up through the years. I missed Kennedy. Actually I was -- I'm trying to think where I was. I think I was somewhere in the South, and I had a call from his guys that said that he was coming to Palm Beach to play golf, and he would have loved it if I'd come down and play with him. I said, sure, I'll do that, I'd love to play with him.

The day was arranged and everything, and the day that we were going to play in the morning, I had a call from the White House, and they said that President Kennedy apologizes, but he had hurt his back and he wasn't going to be able to play, and we never played.

Q. (Inaudible.)

ARNOLD PALMER: Oh, I played with Clinton, two Bushes, didn't play with Carter. I don't think he ever played. If he did, I didn't know it.

Q. Nixon?

ARNOLD PALMER: Nixon, Ford, yeah, a lot with Gerry Ford. Did we mention Clinton? I played with him numerous times.

Q. President Reagan?

ARNOLD PALMER: Yes, I played with him in Palm Springs a few holes one day.

Q. (Inaudible.)

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, that set of clubs -- is that the set you're talking about, that I have? Yeah, those belonged to him, and he kept them at Gettysburg when he retired. The guy that caddied for him there, who was the pro, was a very good friend and a nice guy, a great guy, and he at one point, and I can't recall exactly when it was, called and said, would I like the President's clubs? He said he'd like to give them to me. And he gave them to me, and that's the set.

Is that the answer to the question? Yes.

Posted by scurry at 05:16 PM

PALMER PRESENTS FRIEND PRESIDENT EISENHOWER AT WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

November 02, 2009

St. Augustine, FL – Arnold Palmer was on hand to present his friend President Dwight D. Eisenhower posthumously into the World Golf Hall of Fame, making him the first president to join the organization in the Lifetime Achievement category. Other new members of the Hall will be 1977 PGA Championship winner Lanny Wadkins; two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal; and Christy O'Connor, who won 24 times on the European Tour.

Palmer and Eisenhower had a long and storied friendship that began at Palmer's first Masters win in Augusta Georgia in 1958. "He was not only a great president and a great general but a great person. He was a guy who you could relate to, a regular guy on the golf course and a regular guy, period. We became very close friends almost immediately." said Palmer.

Eisenhower is undoubtedly one of the most revered and influential presidents in American history and his public love of golf during the span of his presidency is why the sport received a massive boost in popularity. This was due to the national press dutifully reporting on his 29 trips to Augusta during his presidency and the more than 1,000 days of golf he played, according to his daily itinerary. The number of Americans who played golf doubled while Eisenhower was in office from 1953 to 1961, according to "First Off The Tee," a book on U.S. presidents who played golf.

"One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who did more to popularize the game of golf, not only in the United States but throughout the world, than President Eisenhower," Palmer said. "His passion for the game was the inspiration for literally millions of people picking up the game. To have the average person read about Ike and his golf and his enjoyment of the game gave golf one of the greatest shots in the arm it ever got."

Since they played often together, Palmer and Eisenhower were a powerful mixture - a President, a King, The Masters and the advent of golf on television, ultimately launching the game into popularity.

"President Eisenhower received many honors in his life, but I think he would have really enjoyed this one."

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Related Stories

• World Golf Hall of Fame: President Eisenhower Profile | Arnold Palmer Profile
• USA Today: Palmer presents Ike into World Golf Hall of Fame
• Washington Times: Golf world honors Ike with spot in Hall
• Kingdom Magazine: Ike and I
• Kingdom Magazine: All the Man's Presidents

Posted by scurry at 05:19 PM

American Legend Arnold Palmer Lends His Voice to No Plane No Gain Campaign

October 21, 2009

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

Orlando, FL, October 20, 2009 – Golf legend and accomplished businessman Arnold Palmer is lending his voice to support the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities in a new video and print advertising campaign for No Plane No Gain, the advocacy program jointly sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

“Arnold Palmer has always been an advocate for business aviation, because he has a first-hand understanding of its essential role in serving towns and communities across the country,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “For his entire career, business aviation has made it possible for him to succeed in golf and business – all from his hometown of Latrobe, PA, which doesn’t have airline service.”

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce added: “Through these new ads, we will be able to draw even more attention to the messages No Plane No Gain has been communicating: that business aviation supports over a million jobs, represents a lifeline for small- and medium-sized U.S. towns, enables companies to compete and succeed, and helps provide relief to people and communities in times of crisis.”

The new advertising, rolled out during the Opening General Session of NBAA’s 62nd Annual Meeting & Convention, includes three print ads and three 30-second video ads. The print and video ads complement one another, and build upon the efforts already undertaken through the No Plane No Gain program to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the U.S.

With a simple, yet powerful delivery, Palmer speaks to the benefits of business aviation in the ads and responds to those who would devalue the use of an airplane for business. For example, in one print ad, Palmer states: “People who build business airplanes make things fly. People who use them make things happen. A few others make things up.” In one of the video spots, Palmer states plainly: “For more than 50 years, using business airplanes is the single most productive thing I have done.”

Addressing the large crowd gathered at the Opening General Session, Palmer explained why he felt compelled to lend his voice to the No Plane No Gain program. “I know the value of business airplanes,” Palmer 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. So I wanted to speak out and help set the record straight.”

To view the video ads, visit the No Plane No Gain web site: www.noplanenogain.org/Video_Advertisements.htm?m=47&s=385

To view the print ads, visit the No Plane No Gain web site: www.noplanenogain.org/Print_Advertisements.htm?m=47&s=416

Posted by scurry at 10:10 AM

PALMER ATTENDS ADMINISTAFF SMALL BUSINESS CLASSIC

October 19, 2009

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Golf legend and Administaff spokesman Arnold Palmer attended the Administaff Small Business Classic presented by United Healthcare at The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course in Woodlands Texas.

Palmer attended the draw party and played in the Thursday pro-am event with his ever-present 'army' there to cheer him on. The Champions Tour event is one of the first to offer free admission to all ages and on Thursday gave away Arnold Palmer bobbleheads to the first 1,000 fans.

Also in the tournament field was fellow legend Tom Watson whom Palmer had a chance to chat with Thursday afternoon on The Woodlands' putting green. The topic of conversation was the nail-biting British Open Championship this July and Watson's putt on the 72nd hole.

"I watched him putt the ball at the British Open and that made me think I needed to talk to him a little," Palmer said. "Nothing heavy. Just getting the ball started on the right line. He will putt better if he does that. I know that. I told him that was what he needed to do."

"It was a good tip," Watson grinned. "It was coming from the King."

On Sunday, John Cook rose to the top of the field to win the event for his third career Champions Tour title. The 11-time winner on the regular PGA Tour closed with a 4-under 68 and finished with an 11-under 205 to hold off Jay Haas and Bob Tway by two shots.

"Cook made a nice charge on the final day and kept his focus." said Palmer.

Posted by scurry at 01:34 PM

CNN: Evergreen Palmer to play until 90

October 08, 2009

(CNN) -- Golf legend Arnold Palmer has just celebrated his 80th birthday and exclusively told CNN's Living Golf that he hopes to play for another ten years.

Read the full article at CNN.com

Posted by scurry at 04:19 PM

LA Times: Arnold Palmer, the King of golf, shows no signs of slowing down

October 06, 2009

Los Angeles Times - October 6, 2009 - By Bill Dwyre

At 80, Palmer looks trim and tan and still flies his own plane. During a stop at Rolling Hills Country Club, he answers some questions, including how an iced tea and lemonade blend came to bear his name.

If you play golf, watch it on TV, think you might take it up someday, or have hit a ball under a windmill and through a clown's mouth, there was no better place to be on a sparkling clear Saturday morning in Southern California.

The King was in town. The golfer who never had a gallery, always an Army, was in the house.

Arnold Palmer got out of a car, hitched up his pants and walked into the courtyard at the Rolling Hills Country Club like somebody about to shop for a new putter. The man who made the game the multi-billion-dollar sport it is today never acts like it. People surround him, keeping an arm's length as one would for royalty. And it is Palmer, always a little embarrassed by this sort of adulation, who engages them first.

Read the full story at LAtimes.com

Posted by scurry at 05:13 PM

PALMER UNVEILS BAY HILL COURSE RENOVATIONS DURING MEDIA DAY

October 01, 2009

ORLANDO, FL - Arnold Palmer hosted select national and local media at his Bay Hill home course Tuesday September 29th to unveil the course changes he and his design company recently completed. The par on the Bay Hill course is now 72 (7,400 yards), from 70 (7,162 yards), which should yield more birdies at the upcoming 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

"We're going to go with four par 4s again, with the thinking that the galleries and the people enjoy seeing players make birdies. said Palmer. "We're going to give them an opportunity to make birdies."

The media day at Bay Hill started with breakfast followed by golf, lunch, Q&A and the property was open for tours, including the design office where Palmer's Bay Hill changes were meticulously planned.

Palmer treated 10 foursomes to play the newly-renovated course by setting up groups of three media members paired with a staff member from Bay Hill, Arnold Palmer Design Company, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard and the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy.

Palmer's staff included:
Bay Hill: Roy Saunders, Blake Terry, Brian Kennedy
Arnold Palmer Design Company: Eric Wiltse, Thad Layton, David Couch and Brandon Johnson
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard: Scott Wellington
Arnold Palmer Golf Academy: John O'Leary, Tom Garner

Quite a number of golf publications and local print media were in attendance including The Golf Channel and local Channel 6 Orlando and were able to engage directly on the course with Palmer's design company architects andBay Hill grounds crew Matt Beaver and John Anderson to discuss the renovation specifics in detail.

In 2008, Bay Hill was ranked No. 18 out of 54 for course difficulty on the PGA Tour. Changing holes 4 and 16 from par 4 holes to par 5 holes is not going to make the course play any easier.The shifted and reshaped fairway bunkers on these holes add a new dimension while increasing birdie opportunities.

Also benefiting from the increase in birdies will be the "Birdies for Babies" program which benefits one of the tournament's official charities, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies at the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando.

Then there is Hole No. 17 which is already known as one of golf's most difficult par 3s. Palmer made it slightly more intimidating by reshaping and extending the beach bunker, increasing the number of pin locations along the perimeter of the green and reshaping bunkers that are closer to the green surface.

Bay Hill has recently been listed as one of the top 50 resorts in Golf World's second annual "Readers' Choice Awards." Golf World readers based their evaluation of the nation's golf facilities on 13 different performance criteria, such as quality of the course, course conditions, reputation/prestige and service. More than 46,000 individual facility ratings were received and the top 50 courses in each category, as voted on by their readers. The pre-renovation ranking will be published in the September 28 issue of Golf World.

Palmer expects excitement with the new birdie making potential when Tiger Woods returns to defend his title at the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

"There's a risk-reward situation there, I like that." said Palmer. "I'm really pleased with the outcome."

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Bay Hill Course Tour (Before/After)

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Posted by scurry at 12:20 PM

PALMER RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

September 30, 2009

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.

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

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando: Fit for a king

September 23, 2009

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

PALMER DESIGNED COURSES DOT GOLF DIGEST'S TOP 75 GOLF RESORTS 2009

September 22, 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.
• 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

USA TODAY: Palmer's grandson set to tee it up, begin quest

September 17, 2009

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

PGA Historical Center unveils new PGA Championship, Arnold Palmer and PGA Cup exhibits

September 14, 2009

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

SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER

September 10, 2009

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

• August 14, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Announces Gift Registry Honoring its Namesakes’ 80th Birthday
• August 26, 2009 -- Palmer Celebrates 80th Birthday with Style
• August 31, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Caring
• September 10, 2009 -- SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER
• September 10, 2009 -- HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER

Golf Digest

September 2009 Issue

• Arnold at 80 by Editor Jerry Tarde -- Read full story
• Cover Story: Palmer In His Prime - As Arnold turns 80, it's time to savor the skill and charisma that changed golf
• Birthday Greetings for Arnie -- Read full story

Golf World

• September 10, 2009 -- Paying homage to Arnie
• September 14, 2009 -- Taking the Measure of Arnie's Greatness
• September 14, 2009 -- What He Means To Me

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

• Palmer Foreward - A year, and a lifetime, to remember
• Q&A - The King Reflects - The King sits down with Chris Rodell, reflects on a lifetime of achievements and looks forward to more
• 80 Most Significant Moments by Chris Rodell

USA Today

September 2, 2009

• Arnold Palmer: Remembering 80 Years - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
• 'The camera fell in love with Arnold Palmer' - By Michael Hiestand, USA Today
• Surprise! Eisenhower visit marked Palmer's 37th birthday - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
• With fame, everybody knows Palmer's name - From staff reports, USA Today
• Palmer, 'a character' and 'competitor,' still searching for perfect swing - By Steve DiMeglio, USA Today
• Photo gallery: Images of Palmer at home in PA

Wall Street Journal

• September 5, 2009 -- "Palmer's Go-for-It Greatness: The Legend Looks Back on a Daring, Uncompromising Style Few Attempt Anymore" by John Paul Newport.

Golf Channel

• September 8, 2009 -- Golf Channel paying special tribute to Arnold Palmer's 80th -- Visit the website | Timeline | Photo Gallery | Video | Stories and Birthday Wishes
• September 9, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer ushers in golf on television
• September 9, 2009 -- The King's Crowning Achievement
• September 9, 2009 -- Players recollect memories of meeting the King

PGA Tour

• Video -- Arnold Palmer on his first Masters victory -- Watch the video
• September 8, 2009 -- For his birthday, 80 things we love about Arnie
• September 9, 2009 -- The King turns 80: Images and impact of Arnold Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- The King's legacy: TOUR players on Arnold Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- The King turns 80: Our favorite memories of Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- Palmer's influence felt in the golf world and beyond
• September 9, 2009 -- By the numbers: Palmer's six decades on the PGA TOUR
• September 9, 2009 -- Special note from Palmer cheers father battling cancer

Associated Press

• September 9, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer, The King, to celebrate his 80th

ESPN

• September 9, 2009 -- Palmer hits legendary landmark by Jason Sobel
• August 31, 2009 -- Video -- Arnold Palmer Chips into an Arnold Palmer
• August 26, 2009 -- Spending the day with Arnold Palmer by Jason Sobel
• Video -- Arnold Palmer On Turning 80

Fox Sports

• September 10, 2009 -- Catching up with The King at his castle

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

• September 9, 2009 -- Love of Palmer par for the course 'A treasure to the game of golf and a gift to mankind' by Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Desert Sun - Palm Springs

• September 10, 2009 -- Happy 80th, Arnold Palmer

The Los Angeles Times

• September 9, 2009 -- Golfer Arnold Palmer, 80, remains a game-changer

Reuters UK

• September 10, 2009 -- Golf-Tributes pour in for 'King' Palmer on his 80th birthday

The State - South Carolina

• September 10, 2009 -- Arnie's army celebrates 80

LIFE Magazine

• August 18, 2009 -- Top 10 Greatest Golfers of All Time

Posted by scurry at 12:01 AM

PALMER THROWS OUT PIRATES PITCH

September 09, 2009

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

For his birthday, 80 things we love about Arnie

September 08, 2009

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

WSJ Feature: Palmer's Go-for-It Greatness

September 05, 2009

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

USA TODAY FEATURES ARNOLD PALMER AT 80

September 02, 2009

USA Today has featured Arnold Palmer in a few articles to highlight his upcoming 80th birthday.

Click the links below to read more.

• 'The camera fell in love with Arnold Palmer' - By Michael Hiestand, USA Today
• Surprise! Eisenhower visit marked Palmer's 37th birthday - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
• With fame, everybody knows Palmer's name - From staff reports, USA Today
• Palmer, 'a character' and 'competitor,' still searching for perfect swing - By Steve DiMeglio, USA Today
• Photo gallery: Images of Palmer at home in PA

Posted by scurry at 03:49 PM

PALMER WELCOMES NICKLAUS AS HONORARY MASTERS CO-STARTER

September 01, 2009

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 seventh 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

Arnold Palmer Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Caring

August 31, 2009

The hospital turns 20 on the 80^th birthday of its legendary namesake Arnold Palmer

August 31, 2009 (Orlando, FL) -- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children will celebrate its 20^th birthday on September 10, coinciding with its legendary namesake, Arnold Palmer's 80^th birthday. For the past 20 years Arnold Palmer Hospital has been providing advanced, highly specialized medical care to children and women from across Central Florida and the world. To commemorate this milestone birthday, several celebration events are planned throughout the month of September including a community leader breakfast hosted by the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and hospital visit by Arnold Palmer (September 4), a VIP 80^th Birthday dinner for Arnold Palmer hosted by Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando® (September 5) and a community block party (September 26). For more information, log on to www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/birthday.

"We are honored to be celebrating 20 years of caring along side Arnold Palmer as he celebrates his 80^th birthday. We are extremely appreciative of all he and his family have done for the babies, children and women here in Central Florida and beyond," said John Bozard, president, Arnold Palmer Medical Center. "Through his generosity and those of others thousands of lives have been touched over the past 20 years and we look forward to continuing the Palmer legacy of caring for many years to come."

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children opened its doors on September 10, 1989, as Central Florida's first freestanding children and women's hospital. The 281-bed facility offered pediatric, obstetric and women's services all in one facility and was built to accommodate 6,500 births. Over the past 20 years, the hospital's staff has delivered 179,000 babies, cared for 296,000 inpatients and 840,000 outpatients. It also saw the birth of a new facility, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, named after Mr. Palmer's late wife Winnie. The 285-bed facility opened on May 30, 2006, expanding the hospital's obstetric, neonatal and gynecological services. With the opening of Winnie Palmer Hospital, Arnold Palmer Hospital became a dedicated, 158-bed children's hospital and the two facilities in addition to the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families formed the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, which is one of the largest children and women's facilities in the nation.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital provides expertise in pediatric specialties such as cardiac care, craniomaxillofacial surgery, emergency and trauma care, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and sports medicine. Visit arnoldpalmerhospital.com to learn more about all of our specialties.

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Posted by scurry at 11:28 AM

PALMER CELEBRATES 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH STYLE

August 26, 2009

This September 10th, 2009 legendary golfer and philanthropist Arnold Palmer celebrates his 80th birthday in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of his namesake hospital. The hospital opened in 1989 as the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, becoming children-only in 2006 when the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies opened.

The milestone birthday will be ushered in with a week long celebration beginning in Orlando and then heading to his native state of Pennsylvania.

The festivities will begin with a hospital birthday breakfast with Palmer on Friday, Sept. 4. On Saturday the 5th, Palmer will be the main guest at the Party at the Portofino Bay Hotel where his unparalleled commitment in support of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center will be honored.

The next week Palmer will fly his Cessna Citation X to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA and on Tuesday, September 8th he will attend a dinner at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, home of the Pirates. Before dinner, Palmer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Pirates play against the Chicago Cubs. That night will be Arnold Palmer Bobblehead Night at PNC Park and will mark the first time Palmer has been honored with a bobblehead created in his likeness. The following day Palmer will participate in a golf outing and dinner in his honor at Laurel Valley Golf Club.

And to celebrate his actual birthday on September 10th? Palmer and some of his closest friends will tee it up at his home course, Latrobe Country Club.

Posted by scurry at 03:03 PM

FOLLOW ARNOLD PALMER IN THE ESPN OFFICES

August 24, 2009

BRISTOL, CT – Golf legend Arnold Palmer is scheduled to visit the ESPN offices this Wednesday August 26th to film a "This is SportsCenter" commercial.

ESPN blogger Jason Sobel will be following Mr. Palmer for the day and blogging the entire days' activities live via his BlackBerry.

Visit the blog here: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/columns/story?columnist=sobel_jason&page=liveblog

Fans can also join the Arnold Palmer group in the ESPN SportsNation section where they can share their memories of Mr. Palmer.

Posted by scurry at 03:36 PM

PALMER RENOVATES HIS BAY HILL COURSE

August 20, 2009

ORLANDO, FL – This summer, Arnold Palmer and the Arnold Palmer Design Company tweaked his classic course, the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, host course for PGA Tour event Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, under the thoughtful experienced eye of Palmer himself.

"Bay Hill is a great golf course. We don’t want to change it; let's tweak it.", said Arnold Palmer to his design company architects Erik Larsen, Thad Layton and Brandon Johnson during initial project meetings at Bay Hill, where the design company and Invitational offices are also located. "Let's get the greens closer to the water and take the sand where you can see it."

"We had the unique ability for our event staff to work on-site with Mr. Palmer, APDC design architects, Roy Saunders and employees of the Bay Hill Club. Matt Beaver, John Anderson and the Bay Hill grounds crew worked closely with the Landscapes Unlimited team to make this renovation a success. Having everyone here has been a distinct advantage for our event." said Tournament Director Scott Wellington. "Players are really going to enjoy the changes."

The specific goals of the renovation were focused in three distinct areas: Agronomic/Maintenance (greens), Playability and Aesthetics.

The previous greens needed to be completely removed because of nematodes in the soil, small plant-parasitic pests, that made it difficult to maintain good turf quality. "To improve the turf conditions on the greens, new Emerald Bermuda grass was installed and proved to be the best performer in test plots grown at Bay Hill prior to construction." said Matt Beaver. "This new grass requires less maintenance than the previous and the new irrigation heads around the greens will provide a more precise application of water."

With Palmer's lifetime of experience designing courses around the world, to actually building push-up greens with his father Deacon at Latrobe Country Club, he was extremely hands-on with the entire renovation process from start to finish. "I love the Bay Hill course, it's my home, which is why it was so important to me to be involved with everything." said Palmer. "The renovations really add some new dimensions of play for Tour players and our members."

"I've introduced firm, fast playing conditions on slopes around greens mowed at fairway height that run away from the green surface and take the ball farther away from the intended target instead of stopping it, like the previous heavy rough did." said Palmer. "With these new conditions we hope to add creativity to recovery shots. Along with putting new pin positions around the outside of the greens and cutting bunkers up closer to the greens we have made my course more interesting to play and view."

"PGA Tour Shotlink data was used extensively to properly site bunkers and now reflects the new distances of the modern game." said architect Brandon Johnson. Over time the edges of the greens had shrunk significantly and a few greens had too much slope to place a pin, especially on the edges of the greens. Johnson goes on to say, "The new greens allow us to increase the pinnable areas on the edges of the greens for the Invitational and make the players think a little bit more about shot and strategy in their pre-tournament preparation and during play."

"We really improved the turf conditions and playability of tees by making them all consistently level." said architect Thad Layton. "Some of the narrow "runway" tees are now more visually appealing and large enough to handle wear from high golf traffic."

Course aesthetics have received a boost in visual impact with the bunker renovation. "The bunkers will give Bay Hill a new look and will help define the tee and approach shots into more visually and strategically intimidating golf." said Roy Saunders of Bay Hill. "The entire APDC team has been a pleasure to work with on these changes. I would recommend this talented and professional team to any club seeking to revamp their course. I appreciate our members' patience during this process and am confident they will be very pleased with the end results."

"I'm very proud of everyone involved to make the Bay Hill course renovation a success. Especially, since the renovations had to be completed in 2 months so the course can properly grow in and open in September." said Arnold Palmer. "I know the 2010 Invitational will be very exciting to watch with these new course changes in place."

For detailed hole-by-hole renovation descriptions please read below. For more information on Bay Hill please visit the website at www.bayhill.com.

ABOUT THE ARNOLD PALMER'S BAY HILL CLUB AND LODGE
About Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge Located 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is the site of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard PGA Tour golf tournament. The 70-room property features a full-service spa, salon, fitness and aquatic center, 27 holes of golf, the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, four dining locations, three lounges and 9,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. For reservations or membership information, call (888) 422-9445 or (407) 876- 2429 or visit www.bayhill.com.
For more information: Arlene Wright, Chisano Marketing Group, (407) 788-7070 or awright@chisano.com Leigh Anne Mace, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, at (407) 876-8003 or lmace@bayhill.com

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Bay Hill Course Tour (Before/After)

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Bay Hill Course Renovations Hole-by-Hole

Hole #1

The tees were widened and shifted right to provide a better angle to access the fairway. Bunkers 180 yds off the tee to the right were eliminated and converted to rough. Bunkers outside of dogleg were enlarged to provide visibility from the tee. Greenside bunkers were moved closer, deepened, and flashed higher to frame the green. Interior of the old green surface was replicated and the edges softened to provide better hole locations closer to the bunkers.

Hole #2

One of the few "major" changes, this green was rotated 30 degrees clockwise to enable players to hold long iron and woods into green. A natural slope on the right utilized to feed shots onto the green enabling shorter players to access front right pin locations. The front left bunker was eliminated and converted to fairway run-off area. Tees were realigned and moved closer to cart path. With the green now rotated and back tee expanded, this hole can play as long as 245 yards.

Hole #3

The tees were realigned and moved closer to the cart path opening up an unobstructed view of the fairway. The first fairway bunker on the right was converted to fairway. The second fairway bunker was enlarged and moved closer to the landing area. The fairway leading into the green was expanded, enabling a ground approach into green. The green was expanded towards the water to create an array of pin positions tight to the hazard. The greenside bunkers were moved closer, deepened, and flashed higher to frame green.

Hole #4

This hole was converted into a true par 5 without lengthening the hole. This was achieved by moving out the fairway bunkering into the 270-300 yard range, a new lay-up bunker was added to the left of the fairway 100 yards from the green to guard the lay up area, bunkers adjacent the the green were re-configured, a reduced green size with an elevated green surface with tightly mown surrounds and deep bunkers.

Hole #5

The tees were realigned and moved closer to the cart path which opened up an unobstructed view of the fairway. Bunkers were enlarged and repositioned to force decisions off the tee. A new fairway cut over the left fairway bunker provides the opportunity for a drivable par 4 from the forward tee. A steep slope on the front right of the green will provide a new layer of difficulty on this crowned green surface.

Hole #6

The tees were raised and moved closer to the lake. The first fairway bunker was eliminated. The sand in the next two fairway bunkers were taken higher to increase visibility from the tee. The green was expanded toward the water to the front, left, and rear. A fairway cut was introduced to collect shots hit through the green and to provide shot options that were previously non-existent. This allowed us to create a new tournament viewing area behind the new #6 green.

Hole #7

The tees were expanded and fanned out to the left. The fairway cut short of the green, steepened to repel shots short of the green to the bottom of slope. The greenside bunkers were deepened and pushed tight to the green. A new front right pin location will be quite a test for members and tournament players.

Hole #8

A new tee was added on a spit of land surrounded by mature trees. The tees were shifted to the left for better views of fairway from all tees. The fairway bunker was flashed higher for better visibility from the teeing areas. Expanded the green left toward the water and softened the back right of the green to create a difficult hole location between the bunkers. The first half of the greenside bunker on the right of the fairway was filled to better show off 2 new bunkers adjacent to the green.

Hole #9

The tees were widened. The fairway bunker on the left was shifted 40 yards down the fairway to better challenge tee shots. Two fairway bunkers on the right were converted to rough. The green was rotated to the right to engage the re-configured bunker complex to the right of the green.

Hole #10

We made the left fairway bunkers slightly larger and shifted them to the right to engage the fairway. The right fairway bunker was moved 50 yards forward to bring it more into play. Very subtle green modifications were made by squaring off the edges to introduce pins on the corners. The approach and side slopes of the green surrounds were made sharper to introduce a tightly mowed slope on the surrounds.

Hole #11

The right side fairway bunkers were shifted closer to the fairway line and repositioned to fit today’s distance requirements by eliminating the first bunker and converting it to turf and replacing it with one at the 285-300 yard turning point. Certain areas around the perimeter of the green were smoothed out to introduce pins closer to the greenside bunkers and lake edge. A roll off left and behind the green that blends into the #12 tee was introduced.

Hole #12

The three hidden fairway bunkers that were located at the beginning of the fairway were eliminated and replaced with two bunkers; One protecting the inside right corner at approximately 260 - 270 yards off the tee and one protecting the outside left corner of the fairway at approximately 300 yards from the back tee. The left fairway line has been shifted slightly to the left to widen the fairway and provides an obscured view from the fairway for the second shot. The second landing area fairway bunkers were repositioned for visibility and to engage play better. Old shaping and mounds that blocked views into the bunkers and green complex were removed. The green side bunkers were reshaped, positioned for visibility and moved closer to the green to protect the corner pin locations.
Every effort was made to keep the original character of this green which was slightly modified to introduce corner pin locations behind bunkers and adjacent to the steep shaved slopes on the green surrounds.

Hole #13

The Championship tee was pushed back ten yards and all the tees were repositioned. Before the renovation there were three hidden fairway bunkers on the left side of the golf hole. During the renovation this bunker complex was reshaped to include two highly visible bunkers that were shifted and repositioned closer to the fairway to become more in play off the tee. The right fairway bunker was reshaped and shifted closer to the fairway too.
This green previously had a lot of movement along the edges that did not allow for pin positions close to the lake edge or greenside bunkers. The perimeter rolls were softened and the green enlarged on the front right and back right to introduce pin locations all along the lake edge and close to the greenside bunkers. The greenside bunkers were also reshaped for visibility from tee and fairway and shifted closer to the green.

Hole #14

This hole has a significant visual change. Previously, 90% of the bunkers on this hole were not visible from the tee and neither was the green surface. The old green had sharp rolls along the edge that did not allow for perimeter pin locations or pins behind the bunkers.
The front right bunker complex was eliminated and a tightly mown grass slope along the entire right side of the green was created. The left greenside bunkers were reshaped and moved closer to the green to better protect pin locations on the left side of this green. The greenside bunkers behind the green were reshaped, made visible and shifted closer to the green surface to protect back right and back left pin locations. The green surface has been smoothed out to allow for more pinnable space but still retains a hint of the old green contours.

Hole #15

A back tee was built that could add 50 yards to the hole if desired. If used, this new back tee will bring the reshaped fairway bunker more into play and turn it into a real obstacle off the tee. Originally there were two fairway bunkers protecting the inside right corner of the fairway. The bunker complex was reshaped with one large bunker that was slightly repositioned to bring it more into play. This green complex received three changes. Firstly, it was reduced in size and moved out of the shadows cast by the surrounding trees. Second, the green was shifted away from the cart path. Third, the green size and contours were made more appropriate for the type of shots played from the original back tee location. The front greenside bunkers were reshaped, repositioned and moved closer to the green surface allowing for a more intimidating approach shot. The right green side bunkers were removed and replaced with a tightly mown grass slope. The back greenside bunker was reshaped for visibility and moved closer to the green surface. While this green did change slightly there are several elements from the old green that were incorporated into the changes.

Hole #16

Tees – The tee complex was shifted left to utilize the natural ridge line and to increase visibility down the golf hole. A large swale was reshaped from the back tee down to the fairway that increases overall visibility and opens up a view slot down to the fairway.
The two right side fairway bunkers were reshaped, combined to make one large fairway bunker that is now highly visible from the tee, and shifted closer to the fairway to bring it more into play. Two of the left side fairway bunkers were removed and converted to rough. This allows for one prominent fairway bunker to protect the left side.
The green complex was reshaped and the beach bunker removed to incorporate shaved slopes and collection areas on the middle right, back right and back left of the green. The front greenside bunker was reshaped and moved closer to the green. A small back right greenside bunker was added to help protect the back right pin locations. The green surface was smoothed out to allow for more pin locations around the perimeter, lake edge and beside the bunkers. While the green was modified for increased pin locations the original green contours were incorporated in the renovation.

Hole #17

Visually this hole will look different and slightly more intimidating, but strategically should play better with increased pin locations along the perimeter of the green with reshaped bunkers that are closer to the green surface. The most dramatic change on this hole is the expansion of the beach bunker. The green was shifted seven to ten feet to allow for the beach bunker to be reshaped and contoured for drainage, playability and visibility.

Hole #18

A back tee was added to increase the hole yardage by approximately 10 yards. The renovated green is almost a carbon copy of the old green with slight modifications in the green size to accommodate an additional front pin location and middle back pin location.

Practice Green

The practice green tries to replicate the golf shots you can expect on the "new" Bay Hill course. A large fairway cut was introduced around the chipping green. Repositioned the bunker to hit down the length of the green, allowing golfers to practice both long and short sand shots. The bunker tripled in size and deepened to reflect new bunkers on the course. The "False front" on the chipping green will allow golfers to practice this difficult short shot.

Posted by scurry at 04:34 PM

Try My Timeless Tips

August 18, 2009

20 All-Time Favorites That Still Do The Trick Plus 5 Bonus Tips
Golf Digest | With Peter Morrice | September 2009

I've seen a lot of changes during my time in golf, and one is that the teaching of the game has gotten complicated. If you do a handful of things correctly--like take the club away without breaking your wrists and keep your head still throughout the swing--you can play pretty well without too much thought. When I was 4 years old my dad took my hands and set them on a club and said, "Now don't you ever change that." And basically I haven't. With all the ways we have now of analyzing the swing, you can make the game very difficult--and not much fun. Here I give you my favorite tips from my old books and articles. I believe they're as true today as the day I first used them.
~ Arnold Palmer

View the slideshow at GolfDigest.com

Posted by scurry at 03:50 PM

PALMER IN LIFE MAGAZINE'S TOP 10 GOLFERS OF ALL TIME

Life Magazine, one of the longest-running and most respected magazines about American culture, has chosen the Top 10 Greatest Golfers of All-Time.

The magazine is most notable for its captivating photo-journalism and amongst this legendary list of golfers, coming in at number 7, is Arnold Palmer.

"Palmer’s place in history is due to his personality as much as his play (seven majors). As the face of golf when it was first televised, the King helped the sport surge in popularity." said Life Magazine.

View the complete Life Magazine article at http://www.life.com/image/1594692/in-gallery/23372/the-10-greatest-golfers

Posted by scurry at 10:26 AM

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Announces Gift Registry Honoring its Namesakes’ 80th Birthday

August 14, 2009

Orlando, FL (August 14, 2009) – Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children turns 20 on September 10, 2009, the same day its legendary namesake, golfer Arnold Palmer celebrates his 80th birthday. In honor of Mr. Palmer’s birthday, a gift registry has been created where family, friends and fans can make a donation in his name to help the children, women and babies cared for at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Individuals wishing to make a contribution can log on to http://www.arnoldpalmerhospitalbirthday.com/GiftRegistry.

“We are proud to be celebrating 20 years of caring along side Arnold Palmer as he celebrates his 80th birthday. We are extremely appreciative of all he and his family have done for the babies, children, and women here in Central Florida,” said John Bozard, president, Arnold Palmer Medical Center. “Through their generosity and that of our community through programs like the birthday gift registry, we have been able to provide highly-specialized care to those in need and we look forward to continuing the Palmer legacy of caring for many years to come.”

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women opened its doors on September 10, 1989, coinciding with its namesake’s, Arnold Palmer’s, 60th birthday. The 281-bed hospital was the first freestanding children and women’s hospital in Central Florida offering pediatric, obstetric and women’s services in one facility. Due to the area’s rapid population growth and increased demand for obstetrical services, Arnold Palmer Hospital expanded its obstetric, neonatal and gynecological services with the addition of Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, a 285-bed facility, located across the street. With the opening of Winnie Palmer Hospital, Arnold Palmer Hospital became a dedicated, 158-bed children’s hospital and the two facilities in addition to the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families formed the Arnold Palmer Medical Center.

ARNOLD PALMER HOSPITAL for CHILDREN

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital provides expertise in pediatric specialties such as cardiac care, craniomaxillofacial surgery, emergency and trauma care, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and sports medicine. Visit arnoldpalmerhospital.com to learn more about all of our specialties.

WINNIE PALMER HOSPITAL for WOMEN & BABIES

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 285-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services, a regional center for neonatal intensive care, maternal intensive care and women’s services. Annually, more than 14,000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. To learn more, visit winniepalmerhospital.com.

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Posted by scurry at 03:11 PM

Birthday Greetings For Arnie

August 12, 2009

Fans and friends offer memories to celebrate Arnold's 80th

Golf Digest - September 2009

In conjunction with Arnold Palmer's 80th birthday on Sept. 10, the USGA is collecting Palmer memories from friends and fans of the King. Visit usgamuseum.com/arnoldpalmer to view the stories, including the video described in the first item, or to add your memory.

Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. September 2009

CALLING ON CHRISTMAS
From Peter Deeks

I graduated from college in spring 1967, and on Christmas Eve that year four friends came to my parents' house, where I was still living, to drink some beer and catch up. We got to talking about who we had wished Merry Christmas, and someone asked if I had done so to Arnold, who was (and still is) my idol. I said, "No, but I will right now," at which point I phoned AT&T information in Latrobe, Pa.

I asked for a listing for an A.D. [Arnold Daniel] Palmer. I heard, "I have no listing for A.D. Palmer, but I have an Arnold Palmer."

I dialed the numbers and heard, "Hello?"

"Is Arnold there?"

"It's Arnold speaking."

I immediately dispatched one of my friends to an extension phone, as I needed corroboration for this call. I said it was Peter Deeks from Toronto, Canada, calling, and I added, "I hope I'm not bothering you."

He said, "No, I'm putting presents under the tree for Winnie, Amy and Peggy."

We talked about many subjects, but the best was me telling Arnold how to resolve issues in the PGA between the club professionals and the touring pros. The conversation carried on for 12 minutes, according to the bill I received from Bell Canada. The bill also showed the commencement time of the call at 1:06 a.m. Christmas Day.

In December 1989, my brother Jim and family came to our house for Christmas dinner. He gave me two presents and said, "Open the small one first." I did so, and it was a video to be watched "immediately." On comes Arnie saying, "Hi, I'd like to wish Peter, Wendy and Sarah and Jocelyn Deeks a very Merry Christmas. ... Peter, do me a favor and call me again, but don't make it on Christmas Eve, OK?"

I was stunned. Then I was to open the large present, and it was a cue card with the above message and signed, "Arnold Palmer."

Jim, a TV director, had been assigned to do a TV promo in June 1989 for the Cadillac Skins Game being played in Toronto. He'd prepared the cue card in advance, and Arnold readily agreed to do it when the serious work was completed.

The cue card has been framed and adorns a wall of our family room.

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A LIFETIME SUPPLY OF SHIRTS
From Dottie Pepper

My favorite Arnold Palmer memory didn't even take place on a golf course.

I had been invited for cocktails at the home of Charlie and Marilyn Mechem [Charlie Mechem is a former commissioner of the LPGA Tour], Arnold's next-door neighbors in La Quinta. Arnold insisted that he and I walk next door and check out a new shipment in his garage.

He had recently received word that his shirt manufacturer would no longer be making his signature hard-collar shirts, but he had been sent a lifetime supply in every color. The boxes were stacked to the ceiling, and he was just so darn proud! He didn't believe anyone would do something that thoughtful for him.

That's just Arnold.

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THE PAYING CUSTOMERS
From Bob Hammel

While in the U.S. Army in West Berlin, I was lucky enough to play in the German Open and meet Arnie at a dinner for him, Seve Ballesteros and Tony Jacklin.

What I remember most, however, was after the last 18 holes, when Arnie was surrounded by fans seeking autographs. A member of his entourage came in to say that his private plane was ready to take off and they had to go. Arnie did not bat an eye but said, "Have the plane wait; these are the people who pay for that plane."

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FROM GOLFER TO BROADCASTER
From Jim Rohr

As Arnie's friend, I have had the pleasure of observing and interacting with him in various settings. Of course, nothing beats spending time with him on the golf course. During one particularly enjoyable round, I partnered with Jim Nantz to take on Arnie and my brother Tom. We had a blast, and our best-ball match went back and forth until we came to Laurel Valley's signature 18th hole, a spectacular -- and reachable -- par 5.

After lacing their drives, Jim and Arnie found the green in two. Tom and I are serving as spectators at this point, and we watched Jim roll his approach putt toward the hole. Unfortunately, Jim didn't leave himself a gimme.

Already up a hole, Arnie looked to end the match, but his eagle putt stopped at the lip of the cup. That left Jim, who was getting a stroke on the hole, staring at a yips-inducing five-footer to bring us even.

Seizing the moment -- and turning the tables on Jim, who has captivated so many of us with his distinctive broadcasts -- Arnie lifted the grip of his putter to his chin, as if it were a microphone. Then, in a perfect golf-announcer parody, he described the situation.

"Jim Nantz is about to stroke the most important putt of his life," Arnie started. Jim had to back away as we all broke out in laughter. "It's a treacherous five-footer," the King continued, "and he'll need to play a subtle right-to-left break."

Composing himself, Jim stroked the putt -- and it slipped by on the right. He grimaced and looked at Arnie: "You misread that!"

"Hey," Arnie responded. "I was being the broadcaster, not your caddie." As with most rounds, we finished with a laugh -- and by paying Arnie his winnings.

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THE FINAL U.S. OPEN
From Rocco Mediate

I was fortunate to be paired with Mr. Palmer at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont, which was his last U.S. Open.

Friday afternoon, we were walking up the 18th fairway toward the green. I was about 50 yards or so behind him, just taking it all in: huge galleries as far as you could see and applause as loud as it could possibly be, just to acknowledge and admire the man they all loved and had cheered for so long. It didn't matter what he shot; it mattered to them that he was there, and they appreciated it.

When I putted out on 18 I went to him, shook his hand and said, "You made all this possible for golf -- this is all because of you." At that we both were overcome with emotion.

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A PAUSE FOR TEARS
From Archie Ellis, a volunteer at Palmer's Final U.S. Open

I found myself assigned to shepherd Arnold Palmer from the raucous, thundering and consistent adulation of the 18th fairway and green to his first interview position behind the grandstands at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

It was not a long journey -- maybe 100 yards -- but it was long enough for him to stop me after moving through the tunnel, but short of our intended location, by saying, "Give me a minute, please." At that point, he turned, walked a couple of feet to a large tree, placed his face on the back of his hand against the trunk, and with his back to me, quietly let the tears flow for a minute or so, his shoulders rising and falling with each wave of emotion. There were only one or two other people with us, but we all stood silently to give him his time.

Finally, his caddie walked over and put his hand on Palmer's back, whispering in his ear. The great man straightened up, wiped the tears away before turning back to us, and nodded to him. He turned to me and said, "Let's go," and we walked to an interview station for a USGA taping prior to the melee at the media center a few minutes later.

I handed him off at that time to someone else and went on my way, but that one moment of watching him grieve the end of his era has remained with me. It was so personal and involved a man of such greatness that it bordered on the religious, but he would probably object to that comparison. Arnold Palmer's greatness lies in his very real, very tangible humanity, and there was no stronger evidence of that than watching those brief tears fall in recognition of the limitations placed upon him by time.

---

THE SUPREME PUTTING CONTEST
From Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

I was privileged to meet Arnold Palmer at the U.S. Supreme Court. He knew Justice [Anthony] Kennedy, and the two of them came by my chambers to say hello. I kept a putting device and a couple of putters there, and we decided to have a wee putting contest. You do not have to guess who won. It was Arnie Palmer, of course. But what a treat!

---

THANKS FROM TIGER
From Tiger Woods

I know I can visit Arnold for advice or a reassuring smile anytime. To have a role model like him makes us all try a little harder. I'm certain much success and friendship lie ahead.

Thank you, Arnold.

Posted by scurry at 03:33 PM

COVER STORY: Palmer in his Prime

As Arnold turns 80, it's time to savor the skill and charisma that changed golf

By Tom Callahan
Golf Digest - September 2009

By Tom Callahan
Golf Digest - September 2009

Records speak for themselves, but Arnold Palmer's splendid record speaks too softly. As he turns 80 on September 10, how important he is has obscured how great he was.

Palmer didn't invent golf, just grace and golf, just television and golf. Raymond Floyd says, "Arnold was the epitome of a superstar," even before that word was coined. "He set the standard for how superstars in every sport ought to be, in the way he has always signed autographs, in the way he has always made time for everyone." In his patience. In his decency.

"On the golf course," Floyd says, "all I ever saw was a mass of people. I saw, but I didn't see. He was able to focus in on everyone in the gallery individually. It wasn't fake." He was able to make eye contact with the entire world.

Once, he was a tremendous driver. "Oh, man," Floyd says, "one of the best drivers of the golf ball in history. Long and straight." Once, he charged putts like he charged everything. "I don't think," Floyd says, "I ever saw him leave a putt short."

"I always thought Arnold was a good iron player, too," says Jack Nicklaus, who stood in the rain and watched Palmer hitting irons even before Jack knew who he was. This was outside Toledo in 1954. Neither the 24-year-old amateur champion on the range nor the 14-year-old dreamer on the hill had any idea they would someday be hyphenated.

"I just saw a young, strong guy," Nicklaus says, "who hit the ball hard, beat it hard -- beat it into the ground." A beater of the ball originally, Palmer became a swinger of the club eventually. He was knocking down 9-irons and 7-irons under the storm. Nicklaus was drenched to the skin. "Oh, that's Arnold Palmer," he said later.

From then on, Jack followed Arnold from afar, just like everyone else in and out of golf, as old black telephones on copy desks in sports departments jangled with one question: "What did Arnie do today?"

But for a solitary stroke in regulation twice, he could have been live after three legs of the Grand Slam in 1960 and 1962. After winning the Masters and U.S. Open in '60, he lost the British Open by one shot to Australian Kel Nagle, who required nine fewer putts. (Getting some of his own back, as the British say, Palmer took the next two Open Championships on the trot, the second by six strokes over Nagle.)

In '62, of course, he lost the U.S. Open playoff to Nicklaus at Oakmont between Masters and British triumphs. From '60 to '63, Arnold won 29 tournaments and finished second 10 times. During that blitz, he had 66 top 10s on the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods isn't the first golfer who ever dominated.

A smaller moment in '62 has stayed with Nicklaus. "It was at the Phoenix Open," he says, "the first time we played as pros in the same group. I needed a birdie on the last hole to finish second to him in the tournament. I'll never forget coming to the 18th tee."

"Relax," Palmer whispered, "you can birdie this hole. C'mon, it's important."

"I did birdie it," Jack says, "finishing second, making a whopping $2,300. Oh, by the way, he nipped me that week by 12 shots."

After beating Nicklaus and Dave Marr by six in the 1964 Masters, shrugging his strong shoulders into a fourth green jacket, Palmer stopped winning majors at the now-astonishing age of 34. However, because he was second to Jack at Augusta the following spring and remained a constant on U.S. Open leader boards for the next 10 years, nobody noticed.

But for a solitary stroke in regulation thrice, Palmer would have won three U.S. Opens from 1962 through 1966, which would have brought his total to four in seven years. If it sounds like he's losing a lot of playoffs (to Nicklaus at Oakmont, to Julius Boros at The Country Club, to Billy Casper after the cataclysmic collapse at Olympic), consider that Arnold won 14 playoffs on tour, the same number as Jack. Nobody has won more.

Gary Player, who with Dow Finsterwald lost a three-man Masters playoff to Palmer in 1962, says, "Jack won majors for 25 years; I won them for 20; Arnold won them for six. But because he was so charismatic, because he did so much for golf, because the people loved him so dearly, they thought he was still winning. And, you know what? He was." He was winning hearts.

Although Palmer went through warehouses full of golf clubs, Player remembers one No. 1 wood in particular. "It was the most wicked-looking driver you ever saw in your life," he says. "It must have had 11 degrees of loft. Well, he needed it. He was a very shut-faced player. I tell you, he could hit that thing so straight and so far. Arnold was such a beautiful driver, such a wonderful putter. I've seen other players who weren't afraid to knock the ball five and six feet past, who trusted themselves to hole those comebackers one after another after another. But none of them could touch Palmer." He was the inventor.

Famously, he was adventurous. "Just as he won some tournaments taking unnecessary gambles," Player says, "he lost some tournaments taking unnecessary gambles. But that was Arnold." With a hitch of his trousers and a whirlybird swing, he could make a triple bogey proud. "That was part of the endearment," Gary says. "He did absolutely everything the same damn way. It wasn't his nature to lag a putt because it wasn't his nature to lag, period. He woke up charging, charging, charging. He fell out of bed with all this great charisma, just fell out of bed with it."

Finsterwald, loser of the last match-play PGA (1957), winner of the first stroke-play PGA (1958), came into this world exactly four days before Palmer. Four score and four days ago... Dow and Arnie christened their uncommon friendship in 1948, when the Ohio University golf team made a swing through the South and stopped off at Wake Forest.

"I don't know, I guess we just liked a lot of the same things," Finsterwald says, "like cowboy movies. Our wives were very compatible, too, which was lucky, especially in those scrambling years at the beginning when we'd sometimes throw in together on the road. But the thing Arnie and I truly had in common, the thing both of us enjoyed most of all, was playing golf. That may sound funny, but you'd be surprised how many good players, how many pros, weren't able to enjoy it nearly as much as we did. To us it was an avocation as well as a vocation. I think of him as the greatest amateur-professional who ever lived. By that I mean he never stopped playing the game for the love of it, like an amateur. Sure, he liked making a nice living. But he loved to play. Still does."

It was at a Finsterwald tribute in Athens, Ohio, where the teenage Nicklaus first shook Palmer's hand on a tee. "Arnold shot 62 playing with Jack that day," Dow says, and he tried to shoot 62, to impress the kid. Finsterwald can still see the look in both of their eyes. The look of eagles.

COMING HOME TO LATROBE
Palmer got started a bit late on tour, at the age of 25, winning the Canadian Open straightaway. But the three years in the Coast Guard, the working-man's background, the cigarette on the lip, the stern but forgiving father he called "Pap" or "Sir," and the small town of Latrobe are other necessary parts of the endearment. Especially Latrobe. The wellspring of the Palmer grace is obvious: Wherever he went over these 80 years, and he went almost everywhere in the world, he always came home to Latrobe. He's there now, in that forest-green patch of Pennsylvania, just east of Pittsburgh, just west of the Allegheny Mountains.

He's sitting at the desk in his office, gazing out the window at his childhood.

"Just where we are now," he says, "is a history in itself. When I learned to shoot a shotgun, my father and I -- he taught me -- we walked that hillside right there and shot pheasants and rabbits and squirrels, and took them down and cleaned them in the stream right over here about 200 yards away. And my mother would put them in salt water overnight, and we'd have them the next day for food.

"Right here, right on the edge of this hill, an old oak tree fell over. Like that one there. See the squirrel climbing up? The trunk was rotten -- I'll never forget this. A bunch of honeybees had moved in. Have you ever seen a honeycomb? Well, this one was full of honey. I mean, absolutely like that! [He spread his great hands like an exaggerating fisherman.] And my dad says, 'Now, Arnie, we're going to take this honey home and give it to your mother, and we're going to eat it.' But he says, 'We got to get two five-pound bags of sugar. When we take the honey out, we're going to put those two bags of sugar right there, so the bees can have their food.' By God, we did it. I was about 7 or 8 years old."

His face is creased and leathery, naturally. He's more than a little sand-blasted, to be sure. But he still has the comfortable bearing and confident look of the athlete. And sitting there smiling, especially with his eyes, he doesn't seem or sound much different than he did on the Sunday morning of the final day of the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont, when he and John Schlee were tied for the lead.

Hours before teeing off, Palmer sat around a clubhouse patio with a fine kettle of newspapermen. Among the countless times he held court this way, the Oakmont session has stood out somehow, maybe because of a gentle story he told in response to a prescient question.

Just in case an overnight downpour hadn't made the greens mushy enough, half of the sprinklers had been left on all night. Which prompted Jack Murphy of the San Diego Union to wonder, "What if somebody goes out early and shoots 63?"

(Had Murphy said 62 or 64, this would sound less like "new journalism." But he said 63.)

"If somebody does that," Palmer answered ruefully, "I can promise you one thing: The members will be mad as hell. They're not paying for 63s." Glancing down the road toward Latrobe, he added, "You know, some people around here think they can buy anything."

Being the son of an employee at Latrobe Country Club, young Arnold was always expected to make himself invisible on the property. His father, Deacon, was at least as much a course superintendent as a teaching pro, and far more tractor driver than Izod salesman. One day in the golf shop -- possibly the best day of Arnie's boyhood -- Pap ferociously lit into a member who was chewing out his son for nothing. But, generally, the boy tried to keep out from underfoot.

Their house adjoined the sixth tee. On ladies' days, with a cap pistol in a holster strapped to his hip, he leaned like Paladin against a back-yard tree and fixed his gunfighter's stare on a ditch in the distance.

"I was available to hit their drives over the hazard for a nickel," he said at Oakmont. "Some of them were slow pay." Sitting at his desk now, he laughs at that. He still hops when he laughs. "Helen Fritz," he says. (He remembers her name.) "She was my first customer. 'Arnie,' she said, 'if you hit this ball across that ditch, I'll give you a nickel.' " That was the day he turned pro.

When it came time for Schlee and Palmer to tee off at Oakmont, Murphy went out with a colleague to the first tee to find only Schlee. He was a Texan who liked to wear Hawaiian shirts because his high-water mark was a victory in the Hawaiian Open. Schlee was completely alone on the tee. No spectators, no caddies, no Palmer. He propped a ball up on a peg, clocked it with his driver and headed off down the fairway. What had just taken place took awhile to register, but, as it turned out, that wasn't Schlee's only drive at No. 1. He had walked all the way to his first ball, only to find it unplayable.

"Palmer," Murphy whispered, "is leading the Open." But Johnny Miller was already halfway to his 63.

"Tee to green," Arnold says, "I played better golf from the late '60s through the middle to late '70s than I played at any other time in my life. Won less, but played better. If my clubs were right, I thought I could do whatever I wanted to do with the golf ball. That's kind of how I felt about playing. The actual shotmaking was better from '65 to '76, '77, but I didn't make things happen as I did in the early years. Still, I don't regret a single thing. I'd have liked to win a PGA, but I had a good run."

FROM A GAME TO A SPORT
Palmer's impact on the sport, especially the selling of it in the United States, is mammoth. The simplest way to put it is, he is the one who made it a sport. It had been a game. In that mythical first foursome of American golf (Palmer, Bobby Jones, Dwight Eisenhower and Bob Hope), he is the connector to all of the others, and the captain. "Ike doesn't get nearly as much credit as he should," Palmer says, but the World Golf Hall of Fame is about to take care of that.
Arnold record

He has known many presidents. Richard Nixon asked his opinion about the Vietnam War. His advice amounted to: Whatever you do, don't lay up. But Ike was his friend. On the weekend of Palmer's 37th birthday, wives Winnie and Mamie conspired to spirit Eisenhower from Gettysburg to Latrobe for a surprise visit. When the bell rang and Arnie opened the front door, there stood the Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe and the 34th President of the United States, holding a little overnight bag in his hand. "We didn't play golf," Palmer says. "He couldn't play anymore. We just hung out. He was the greatest."

Arnold lost his darling Winnie to cancer in 1999, but she's still here. She's everywhere in the building. Shaking off his own cancer, he found Kit in 2005. He won the daily double. Arnie must be God's favorite golfer, too.

Eisenhower painted Palmer's picture. So did Norman Rockwell. Why wouldn't he? Millions of photographs, honors and mementos surround the place now, ranging from a Hickok Belt and a Sportsman urn to a Bill Mazeroski baseball and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Across from Arnold's desk, a couple of golf balls are mounted under glass.

At a senior event near Washington in 1986, Palmer made a hole-in-one with a 5-iron, and on the same spot a day later, he did it again. That first morning, Player was in the group ahead, waiting beside the green. "I saw him standing there," Arnold said later. "I wanted to hit a good one." Hearing that, Gary just shook his head. "He always knew how to share a moment of triumph," he said. "Yours or his. Sometimes in life, it can be very hard to find someone to share your moments of triumph."

On the third day, the national media showed up in force to see if Palmer would score another ace. It was a little like staking out a random airport on the chance Amelia Earhart might land. But it was fun. When Arnie missed the cup, everybody moaned, cheered and left.

The boy who wasn't allowed on the course owns it now. Lock, stock and a subdivision of guesthouses. He seems to own the whole town. His face is on the phone book, and his name is on the airport. Even at his age, Arnold continues to be fully qualified to pilot his jet. Every year he is checked out again for several days in simulators, where his nickname should be Flying Colors.

Arnold is pleased by today's game. He likes it. He likes Tiger. "I spent three hours one night with him early on," he says. "More than three hours, four hours. At his request. And it was good. I met his father, but I can't say I knew him."

Earl Woods, you could say, took some knowing.

"You knew him," Palmer says. "What was he like?"

Good-hearted, once you got inside the shell. Of course, it wasn't easy to get inside the shell.

"Well, you know," he says, "you can see that and feel it in Tiger, too. My father was like that."

Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Finsterwald, Floyd -- none of them are putting their feet up and stopping. But certain birthdays unleash memories. It's hard not to start adding up the scores.

"I've stayed in Arnold's house," Player says. "He's stayed in mine. He came to South Africa, and we took him down a gold mine. And his mother. I just loved his mother. She was a dear lady. And I loved his father. He was just as tough as they say, but that wasn't the whole story. As professional golfers, you know, we compete against each other our whole lives, and I tried to beat Arnold's ass in every single way I could. But you laugh together as you go, and you cry together sometimes. Arnold and I actually, physically, cried together. At the end of the day, we played for each other. Money was never the criterion. We were all playing for something better than money."

Nicklaus says, "Arnold and I wanted to beat each other's brains in, but I consider him one of my closest friends in the game. There's no question about his record and ability, but think of how much he brought to the game. The hitch of his pants. The fans. He paralleled the growth of television golf. He was just the right man at just the right time." "When I think of him," Floyd says, "I think of his hands. The greatest set of hands I've ever seen. I was on the practice tee once, hitting it a little crooked, and went right to him for help. He clamped my club in one hand like a vise and bent it just slightly at the neck. I started hitting them straight as can be. Somebody once took a picture of those hands. I've kept it."

Finsterwald says, "You know that PGA Tour slogan, 'These guys are good?' I wish they'd make a new commercial showing Retief Goosen missing that little putt at Southern Hills and then winning the U.S. Open playoff the next day. 'These guys are good -- and they are human.' That's Palmer, above all. Human."

DEACON'S LESSONS
The great Doc Giffin, dean of golf's media major-domos, is still on the job after 43 years, still serving Palmer. In the Latrobe locker room, he points out a cubicle that has been closed for 33 years. The nameplate says, "Milfred J. (Deacon) Palmer, Golf Professional-Course Superintendent, Latrobe Country Club, 1921-1976."

Nineteen-seventy-six was the year Doc's best friend, Bill Finigan, was killed in a private plane crash. Giffin and Finigan grew up together in Crafton, a suburb of Pittsburgh. After the funeral, Palmer urged Doc to take his vacation right away, to go to Bay Hill in Orlando. "Deacon came up to me and said, 'Can I go with you?' I was surprised, but grateful for the company. 'Sure,' I said."

In the middle of the flight, the tough guy turned to Doc and said, "You've lost your best friend. I'll try to be your best friend now." Two days later in Florida, Deacon had a heart attack and died.

Arnold shot 64 the day before at Bob Hope's tournament in California. Of course he withdrew.

Deacon taught Arnie respect, integrity, manners, empathy and how to grip a golf club. But the best thing he ever taught him was, when you take the honey out, put some sugar back in. That's what Palmer has done his whole life.

Posted by scurry at 03:16 PM

Biggest shrine to golfing heritage drives Scotsman across the pond

July 20, 2009

From SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY - By Paul Forsyth - July 19, 2009 - Link to Full Story

ALASTAIR Johnston would be lost without his library. When he is not traipsing about the planet on business, he is in the purpose-built extension to his American home, flicking through the pages of his latest acquisition.
The 61-year-old Scot, a director of Rangers and vice-chairman of IMG, the multi-national sports management company, has in the course of his globe-trotting career put together the biggest and best collection of golf books in the world, with more than 19,000 of them now under his roof. It is a priceless asset, an unparalleled historical document, not only of the ancient game, but of the country that produced it.

He and his books are firmly established in Pepper Pike, an affluent suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but his fervent wish is to find a home for them in Scotland. "That's the plan," he says. "It's about the heritage of our country after all. As long as I am relatively active, I will continue to build it here, but I would like to make arrangements before I have gone. I want it to be in Scotland, and I want to provide for it financially. The people should be able to enjoy it, have access to it, look after and add to it."

Johnston returns to the country of his birth at least 10 times a year, as he has done for this week's Open Championship at Turnberry. He could have made a fortune already from the sale of his collection, but the hobby that started by accident, quickly became a passion and now consumes his leisure time still gives him enough enjoyment to make its value an irrelevance.

He is not prepared to put a price on it. "Across here, developers are building unique golf resorts all over the place, and I get some of them asking how much I want for the library. They would like to relocate it in their clubhouse, but in all honesty, I'm not interested. As long as I can enjoy shuffling around in there, it will be staying where it is. It's my way of relaxing. Arnold Palmer regrips his clubs; I potter around in my library."

Palmer is one of the reasons Johnston has been able to pursue his passion. The two have been close since 1977, when IMG founder Mark McCormack made him the player's business manager.

The Scottish lawyer who grew up on Glasgow's south side had famously asked McCormack for a job while stewarding in the 1968 Open at Carnoustie. After a brief internship in America, he returned with an armful of books on the world's greatest golfers.

Johnston was hooked. Within a few years, the interest had become a fascination, and later still an obsession, which he fed on business trips with IMG. "When I first took it really seriously, over 25 years ago, it was a case of going into a town, looking up the yellow pages and hunting down the antiquarian bookshops. I would go out for a jog, arrive all sweaty and disgusting with a satchel on my back, and return to my hotel with it full of books."

Johnston also has a home in Isleworth, Florida, where he is a neighbour, and business associate, of Tiger Woods. Once described as among the most powerful men in sport, the Scot knows plenty who dismiss his library as a trivial pursuit. "I have created something that is the best in the world, and I have friends who come from all over to see it, but there are others who couldn't give a damn. When they come to my house, they go straight to the bar."

Johnston acquires between 500 and 800 books every year. He claims to have more of them than the United States Golf Association, whose library in New Jersey uses his as "a marker". As well as books, he has everything from tournament programmes to instructional pamphlets and club histories. The extension, which he describes as consistent with the architecture of his contemporary home, has been designed in such a way as to maximise security. Given that natural light does the most damage, windows have been positioned accordingly, while glass cases protect the most valuable pieces from dust.

Rare artefacts include a letter written in 1680 by King James VI in which he extols the pleasures of golf to his niece, the Countess of Lichfield. He also has a copy of the 1457 Scottish Acts of Parliament, which provided the first mention of golf in print. One of his greatest finds is an original copy of The Goff, the first book devoted to golf, written by Thomas Mathison in 1743. "And it is an excellent copy," says Johnston. "A first edition. I only know of five or six first editions in the world, and mine is a very good copy, better than the British Museum's by the way."

He doesn't say what he paid for The Goff, but someone is reputed to have offered $100,000 for it in 2003. With even his bibliographies fetching four-figure sums at auction, Johnston could make a fortune from one-off sales, but he has no intention of doing so.

"I am in the fortunate position of having no reason to sell. I don't accumulate for the purpose of resale. It would be impossible for anyone to build this collection again, and my friends have prevailed on me not to break it up. It is the magnitude of it when congregated that makes it unique."

The book that means more to Johnston than any other is The Chronicles Of Golf, not because it covers every mention of the sport between 1457 and the mid-19th century, or because it amounts to an exhaustive social history, but because he wrote it himself, with the help of his late father, James. Together, they spent eight years writing and researching, without pay, a document that effectively cost Johnston junior his marriage.

His father, who had just retired, did most of the "donkey work", travelling back and forth from Glasgow to Edinburgh, where archivists helped him to trawl the vaults. His son had briefed him to follow the recommendation written by Scots poet Andrew Lang in 1890. It read: "A young man must do (the study] and he will be so ancient before he finishes the toil that he will scarce see the flag on the short hole at St Andrews from the tee."

Well, the Johnstons did all that and more, even if they weren't sure why. "I wondered that 1,000 times, but once I had decided to do it, I had to do it all. It has become a cult item for the people who care. I did several hundred in a limited edition, and they are still selling for $2,000-3.000 a time. I am immensely proud of it."

Posted by scurry at 03:50 PM

PALMER PRESENTS 2009 NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE RUSSELL MEYER JR.

July 16, 2009

DAYTON, OH – Arnold Palmer is scheduled to present Russell W. Meyer Jr., retired Cessna Aircraft Company chairman and chief executive officer, at the 48th annual Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony of the National Aviation Hall of Fame July 18th at the Dayton Convention Center.

A pilot himself, Palmer will fly to Dayton in his Cessna Citation X. Russ Meyer is one of Palmer’s closest friends, going back to the beginning of original IMG founder Mark McCormack’s association with Palmer. Meyer was a fellow lawyer with McCormack at the Cleveland law firm, Arter, Hadden, Wycoff and Van Dusen, where he handled some of Palmer's early appearances and all of his aviation needs. Arnold and Russ have shared a life-long passion for aviation from that time to date. Russ is one of Arnold’s trusted advisors in many business matters and the two men have played dozens of rounds of golf together.

In addition to Palmer, celebrities Nick Clooney and astronauts Neil Armstrong and Charles Precourt will also be serving as presenters at the event.

The 2009 inductees are: Eileen Collins, USAF test pilot and first female Shuttle commander; Russell Meyer, Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company; the late James M. Stewart, WWII bomber pilot, award winning actor and airpower advocate; the late Edward H. White, II, West Point grad,USAF test pilot, and Gemini and Apollo astronaut. Collins and Meyer will personally accept their honors. The daughter of Stewart and son and daughter of White will attend, accepting enshrinement on behalf of their late fathers.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization founded in Dayton in 1962 to honor America's air and space pioneers.

For more information, visit nationalaviation.org.

Posted by scurry at 04:17 PM

Greens Refurbishment On Course at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando

July 14, 2009

ORLANDO -- The golf course maintenance project which began this spring at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge continues on schedule, with the course looking to fully re-open this October.

In May, Bay Hill began refurbishment work on its Championship Course, resulting in temporary closure of that course over the summer. While the primary focus of the project is to re-grass the greens, other key elements include the addition of a few more runoff areas and the elimination of some unnecessary bunkers in exchange for new sand traps which will be more visible from the tee areas.

While it sounds like a lofty project, members and players can rest assured they won't be seeing a complete transformation of the world-famous course. As Mr. Palmer indicated during the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard in March, the changes to the greens and undulations will be very subtle. Players can expect the look and routing of the course to be much the same as it was prior to maintenance. The overall goal of the project was not to completely alter the course, but rather elevate its architectural and aesthetic standards to the modern level one would expect from an Arnold Palmer designed course.

Efforts for this venture began well before excavators ever broke dirt on the first green at Bay Hill. "In November 2008, we created a test green near the end of the Charger range in which we planted seven different types of grass to determine which might be best suited for conditions at Bay Hill," explains Ray Easler, general manager at Bay Hill. "Of the seven, Emerald Dwarf was the top performer - in part because its longer root system allows it to be more resistant to ground pests, and its growth rate reduces the transition time between seasons."

The selected Emerald Dwarf was cultivated at Champion Turf Farms in Bay City, Texas, a company owned and operated by father-son team Morris and Mike Brown. This spring, Bay Hill's golf course superintendent John Anderson traveled to Texas to inspect the new turf firsthand and was more than pleased. "We were very impressed with the quality of the turf and the first-class operation of Champion Turf Farms. Morris and Mike have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and even committed to personally overseeing the installation of the Emerald sprigs at Bay Hill. We all look forward to seeing the final results of this project on the course."

Work at the course is being done in phases, typically three holes at a time, as to minimize the impact on the environment. While the Championship course isn't scheduled to re-open until October, the Charger course remains open throughout the entirety of the maintenance project. In addition, Bay Hill Golf Shop has arranged for special discounts at many area courses to accommodate its golf members.

About Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Located 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge is the site of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard PGA golf tournament. The 70-room property features a full-service spa, salon, fitness and aquatic center, 27 holes of golf, the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, four dining locations, three lounges and 9,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. For reservations or membership information, call (888) 422-9445 or (407) 876- 2429.

For more information:

Arlene Wright, Chisano Marketing Group, (407) 788-7070 or awright@chisano.com
Leigh Anne Mace, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, at (407) 876-8003 or lmace@bayhill.com

Posted by scurry at 09:16 AM

The Gavin Fitzgerald "Kids Fore Kids" Charity Golf Tournament

July 13, 2009

On Saturday, September 12th the Winter Park Country Club in Winter Park, FL. will be hosting a very unique and special charity golf event which will benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Woman and Babies in Orlando, FL. In its second year, The Gavin Fitzgerald "Kids Fore Kids" Charity Golf Event is on a mission to get kids actively involved early in life to learn the fundamentals of giving. Their goal is to build a future of young philanthropist and help those in need. The idea of the event itself is kids raising money through playing golf for kids in need.

The tournament format is a 9 hole, four "Kid" team scramble. The teams will be a mix of children 4 to 17 years of age. Money will be raised in a variety of ways. The most unique way is through the children actively looking for individuals or corporations to sponsor them as they take part in the scramble on September 12th. To request a registration form e-mail Sondra Fitzgerald at sondra@kidsforekids.com.

The "Kids Fore Kids" Foundation Inc. is also offering sponsorships to corporations or individuals who would like to help. E-mail Sondra Fitzgerald at sondra@kidsforekids.com for more information.

If you take a moment to watch the following video from the Golf Channel's Golf Central you can see what an amazing impact Gavin and his event, in its inaugural year, made on helping the kids at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Woman and Babies in Orlando, FL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1udIT3vpbM

It's a very special thing that Gavin is doing.

In order to make this years event a success once again, the "Kids Fore Kids" Foundation is seeking corporate monetary donations or tournament sponsorships, product donations to act as giveaways to the children participating or product donations to act as silent auction items to also raise funds.

If you are interested you can contact Winter Park Country Club Head Professional, Brendon Elliott at BrendonElliott@pga.com, Mr. Wesley Bishop with the Arnold Palmer Hospital at Wesley.Bishop@orlandohealth.com or Sondra Fitzgerald with the Kids Fore Kids Foundation at sondra@kidsforekids.com

For more information on the Kids Fore Kids Foundation and Event log onto: http://www.kidsforekids.com/home

BRENDON R. ELLIOTT
HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Winter Park Country Club
761 Old England Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
GOLF SHOP: (407)599-3339
MAIN LINE: (407)599-3418
FAX: (407)691-6532
E-mail: belliott@cityofwinterpark.org
http://www.winterparkcountryclub.com

Posted by scurry at 11:07 AM

ARNOLD PALMER ATTENDS 2009 'So The World May Hear' AWARDS GALA

July 10, 2009

ST. PAUL, MN – Arnold Palmer is scheduled to attend the Starkey So the World May Hear Awards Gala Sunday July 12.

The gala supports the Starkey Hearing Foundation which started with a simple premise: “Alone we can’t do much. But, together we can change the world.”

With “So the World May Hear” as his goal, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder William F. Austin built an organization upon this vision.

Today the Foundation is sustained by the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors around the world. Through generous support the foundation delivers more than 50,000 hearing aids annually through more than 100 hearing missions a year in countries stretching from the U.S. to Vietnam.

In addition to giving the gift of hearing, the Foundation promotes hearing health awareness while supporting research and education.

Celebrities Tony Bennett, Billy Crystal, Elton John and Gladys Knight will also be in attendance at the black-tie gala.

Posted by scurry at 04:52 PM

CNN Exclusive - Arnold Palmer: Olympics can revive golf

July 07, 2009

Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest players in the history of golf, has exclusively told CNN that the Olympic Games could help to revive the recession-hit sport.

With golf being hit hard by the recent downturn in the global economy, Palmer believes the sport needs all the help it can get if it is to come out the other side of the recession.

Palmer said: "The downturn in the economy has affected many golf clubs and I hope we've reached the bottom on that.

"It is probably being felt most severely in America. I'd like to see that stop and for players to return to the golf course. It's tough right now but I'm sure things will improve.

"Golf has changed so much from when I turned professional. My main goal was always to increase the awareness of golf and that has happened.

"In places like India, China, Japan and South and Central America, people are becoming avid golf fans because the climate is perfect for the game."

"Golf is now an international competition and it is bringing people in from all around the world."

"But if golf gets accepted by the Olympic Committee it would be a wonderful thing for the continuing growth of the game. Bringing people together on the course is one of the most important things we can do."

It has been over a century since golf was an official Olympic sport, with George Lyon of Canada claiming the last gold medal in 1904.

Read the full story at CNN

Posted by scurry at 11:30 AM

PALMER ATTENDS THE FIRST 'FREE TO THE PUBLIC' CHAMPIONS TOUR EVENT

July 06, 2009

Arnold Palmer will be attending the 3M Championship — held July 10-12 at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Twin Cities in Blaine, an Arnold Palmer designed course — which is offering free admission, parking and shuttles to the public.

"Giving back is the right thing to do," said Hollis Cavner, tournament director. "We've received such tremendous support from fans and corporate partners over the past 17 years. We are thrilled that we have an opportunity to say thank you and provide this free gift to golf fans."

"It's very exciting that the 3M Championship is giving golf fans the opportunity to see this great event for free." said Palmer. He adds, "I also hope this offer will introduce some new people to golf as well."

Joining Palmer for the annual 2009 Greats of Golf Challenge Saturday, July 11th and Sunday July 12th will be some of his contemporaries Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, Miller Barber, Tony Jacklin, Charles Coody and Don January.

The Greats of Golf Challenge Presented by Post-it Brand Products is a two-day tournament that features nine PGA Champions Tour professionals playing in a three-person scramble format.

The 3M Championship consistently ranks as one of the top Champions Tour events for crowds and charitable giving. Last year, the 3M Championship was voted the No.1 event on the Champions Tour by the players, earning the coveted Champions Tour Players Award.

Posted by scurry at 02:09 PM

PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER INDUCTED INTO WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME

July 01, 2009

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower has been voted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2009. Eisenhower was selected in the Lifetime Achievement Category for his genuine love for the sport of golf and his role in popularizing the game after the second world war. He will become the first President to enter the Hall when he is inducted posthumously on Nov. 2 at the World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida.

During the 60's Eisenhower and Palmer became friends out of mutual admiration and respect for one another. Both Eisenhower and Palmer hailed from ‘blue collar’ backgrounds—Eisenhower as the progeny of Mid-west farming ‘stock’ from Kansas and Palmer as the son of Latrobe’s professional and course superintendent—which perhaps explains the affinity they clearly felt for each other.

"One would be hard pressed to find any single person who did more to popularize the game of golf, not only in the United States but throughout the world, than President Eisenhower," Arnold Palmer said in a statement on Friday. "His visibility, coupled with his passion for the game, were the inspiration for literally millions of people picking up the game for the first time. Those involved in golf today owe him a great debt of gratitude," added Palmer.

The Arnie and Ike relationship goes on to this day with the Palmer Prostate Center at Eisenhower Luci Curci Cancer Center located in the heart of the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs California. The Coachella Valley is where their desert connections converged with another friend, Bob Hope, making many headlines that ultimately led to popularizing the game.

The number of Americans who played golf doubled while Eisenhower was in office from 1953 to 1961, according to "First Off The Tee," a book on U.S. presidents who played golf.

Eisenhower will be inducted along with two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain, former PGA champion Lanny Wadkins and Christy O'Connor of Ireland.

Eisenhower joins a very short list of Hall of Famers who never played competitively, such as Bob Hope and Dinah Shore.

Posted by scurry at 03:30 PM

Arnold Palmer Memorabilia Featured in New Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Exhibit

June 10, 2009

The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame is scheduled to unveil a museum-quality exhibit featuring classic photos and memorabilia on June 29, 2009 at 1 PM at the historic Las Vegas National Golf Club, in conjunction with the inaugural Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Classic Pro-Am. Plus, the Class of 2009 will be recognized and is made up of Jimmie Bullard, Edward Fryatt, Dwaine Knight and Jack Sheehan.

Arnold Palmer memorabilia and photos will be on exhibit along with other golf champions Jim Colbert, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam and many others. Palmer's connection to Las Vegas is not only his professional wins there, but also the seven courses at five golf clubs he's designed with the Arnold Palmer Design Company.

The Hall of Fame was formerly known as the Southern Nevada Golf Hall of Fame, but committee members voted to change the name to best capture the essence and passion of the Las Vegas golf community. The new exhibit will be the first all-encompassing tribute to the long history and tradition of Las Vegas golf.

For more information please visit the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame website at www.lasvegasgolfhof.com.

Posted by scurry at 11:59 AM

PALMER RETURNS TO CHERRY HILLS FOR 2009 PALMER CUP

June 08, 2009

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. — Arnold Palmer returned to the site of his legendary 1960 U.S. Open victory at Cherry Hills last week to attend The Palmer Cup, his namesake collegiate Ryder Cup style event.

As he spoke from a podium Tuesday, Palmer jokingly said to the young golfers; "I'm going to be on the first hole. And the first guy that pulls out a 1-iron or 2-iron or 3-wood, I'm going to run out and hand him his driver." This aggressive play is how Palmer birdied the first hole at Cherry Hills when he began his most famous charge from seven shots back to claim victory at the 1960 U.S. Open, still a record for the largest comeback victory in U.S. Open history.

"He has given more back to golf than just about anybody," USGA president Jim Vernon said Tuesday during the Palmer Cup's opening ceremonies. "There's a lot to learn from Arnold."

Due to rain delays, Tuesday's college-am fundraiser was postponed until Wednesday. But that allowed Palmer more time to share stories and to speak with players entered in the four-round competition with a U.S. vs. Europe format patterned after the Ryder Cup.

Palmer stayed to witness the fierce competition. "These guys played well and it was a joy to watch." said Palmer.

Final score was Europe 13, United States 11. The victory was the Euros second in a row and second on American soil. The win evened the all-time series, 6-6-1.

---

Final Results

Palmer Cup Presented by Fisher Capital Partners
Cherry Hills Country Club
June 5

Europe 13, United States 11

Four-Ball Matches Results
Jorge Campillo/Tim Sluiter, Europe def. Bud Cauley/Trent Leon, USA, 2-up
Henrik Norlander/Robin Wingardh, Europe def. Erik Flores/Adam Mitchell, USA, 6 and 4
Leonardo Motta/Andrea Pavan, Europe def. Mike Van Sickle/Steve Ziegler, USA, 2-up
Morgan Hoffmann/Cameron Tringale, USA def. Stephan Gross/Chris Paisley, Europe, 2-up
Europe leads 3-1

Singles Matches Pairings
Bud Cauley, USA def. Robin Wingardh, Europe, 4 and 3
Jorge Campillo, Europe def. Mike Van Sickle, USA, 1-up
Tim Sluiter, Europe halved Cameron Tringale, USA
Leonardo Motta, Europe def. Morgan Hoffmann, USA, 2-up
Stephan Gross, Europe def. Erik Flores, USA, 3 and 1
Steve Ziegler, USA def. Andrea Pavan, Europe, 2 and 1
Adam Mitchell, USA def. Chris Paisley, Europe, 4 and 2
Henrik Norlander, Europe def. Trent Leon, USA, 3 and 2
Europe leads 7.5-4.5

Foursomes Matches Results
Jorge Campillo/Tim Sluiter, Europe def. Bud Cauley/Mike Van Sickle, USA, 5 and 4
Erik Flores/Steve Ziegler, USA def. Stephan Gross/Chris Paisley, Europe, 1-up
Leonardo Motta/Andrea Pavan, Europe def. Trent Leon/Adam Mitchell, USA, 3 and 2
Morgan Hoffmann/Cameron Tringale, USA def. Henrik Norlander/Robin Wingardh, Europe, 1-up
Europe leads 9.5-6.5

Singles Matches Results
Jorge Campillo, Europe def. Bud Cauley, USA, 2 and 1
Stephan Gross, Europe def. Steve Ziegler, USA, 5 and 4
Tim Sluiter, Europe def. Morgan Hoffmann, USA, 1-up
Cameron Tringale, USA def. Chris Paisley, Europe, 1-up
Mike Van Sickle, USA def. Leonardo Motta, Europe, 8 and 7
Andrea Pavan, Europe halved Erik Flores, USA
Trent Leon, USA def. Robin Wingardh, Europe, 2 and 1
Adam Mitchell, USA def. Henrik Norlander, Europe, 3 and 2
Europe leads 13-11

Posted by scurry at 02:57 PM

Palmer's "On a Tour"

May 19, 2009

Today, Arnold Palmer flew his Citation X from Nashville to Dallas to take part in an HP Byron Nelson Championship luncheon ceremony where he received the Byron Nelson Prize and a $100,000 contribution to a charity of his choice. The Byron Nelson Prize is awarded each year to a person or organization in the golf world who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship, integrity and philanthropy that Byron Nelson personified. The T.Boone Pickens Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the Byron Nelson Prize that was created by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, the tournament organization.

On Monday, Palmer attended The Vinny, an annual pro/celebrity event hosted by music star Vince Gill that benefits youth golf. Palmer spent much of the day posing for pictures, signing autographs and chatting with players at the Golf Club of Tennessee.

When asked for comment on his recent stint philanthropic visits, Palmer simply stated "It was a very heart-warming two-day tour."

Palmer fielded many questions at The Vinny; read the full article at The Tennessean.

Posted by scurry at 03:51 PM

USGA MUSEUM LAUNCHES ARNOLD PALMER MEMORY BOOK

May 18, 2009

The United States Golf Association is inviting the public to participate in a very special project to celebrate a true sporting legend and a great American.

Arnold Palmer will be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 10, 2009. To honor the occasion, the USGA Museum has launched an online Arnold Palmer Memory Book. The purpose of the Web site is to collect personal stories and memories of Arnold, and allow the public to view other fans’ appreciation of him. Fans can submit their reflections about Arnold in the form of words, images or video.

Arnold’s influence on the game of golf and sports in America has been felt for many years. Collectively, these testimonials will document the remarkable contributions Arnold has made to golf, not simply as a player, but as the embodiment of all that is honorable and exceptional about the game.

“Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to meet him, it seems that almost everyone in and around the game has their own Arnold Palmer story,” said USGA Director of Communications & Museum Rand Jerris. “Perhaps he was a childhood hero, maybe you once saw him play, or you just have a favorite story about him. The key is that we’re looking for personal stories – honest, from-the-heart sentiments that capture the essence of what Arnold Palmer has meant to the game.”

Later this year, the USGA Museum will edit and assemble the very best submissions into a bound volume, for presentation to Arnold as an 80th birthday present.

To participate in the Arnold Palmer Memory Book, log on to usgamuseum.com/arnoldpalmer .

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About the USGA Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History

The USGA Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History is home to the world’s premier collection of golf artifacts and memorabilia. The greatest champions and greatest moments in American golf history come alive through entertaining and engaging exhibits. The USGA Museum features a world-class collection of more than 70,000 artifacts.

Visitors also have the opportunity to tour the USGA Research and Test Center and play a round on the Pynes Putting Course, a Himalayas-style green that is open annually from early spring through late fall.

The USGA Museum is located in Somerset County, N.J., near the intersection of Interstates 78 and 287. For more information, please call (908) 234-2300 or visit the Museum Web site at www.usgamuseum.com.

About the USGA

The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the world’s golfers and golf courses.

The Association’s most visible role is played out each season in conducting 13 national championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open. Ten USGA national championships are exclusively for amateurs, and include the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System®, celebrates the history of the game, and administers an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program, which has allocated more than $63 million over 12 years to successful programs that bring the game’s values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

Posted by scurry at 03:00 PM

Arnold Palmer calls on Tiger Woods to play Celtic Manor ahead of Ryder Cup

May 07, 2009

From WalesOnline.co.uk -- AMERICAN golfing legend Arnold Palmer has joined a growing list in the game demanding Tiger Woods play the Twenty Ten Course at the Celtic Manor before next year’s Ryder Cup.

The 79-year-old seven times Major champion yesterday took a first look at the host venue for the third biggest sporting event on the globe after the Olympic Games and Football World Cup and admitted: “It’s a fantastic stage for the Ryder Cup.”

Read the full article

Posted by scurry at 03:48 PM

PALMER HONORED AT GOLF BUSINESS FORUM, PLAYS ST. ANDREWS

May 01, 2009

Arnold Palmer takes off in his Cessna Citation X from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport at his Latrobe, PA, hometown on Monday, May 4, and flies to Cardiff, Wales, to attend the Golf Business Forum, at which he will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award the next day.

"I am honored to be accepting this award from the Golf Business Forum and am very proud to be associated with an organization that does so much to further the sport of golf." said Palmer.

Palmer is scheduled to conduct a golf clinic and meet with some upcoming young Welsh golfers that afternoon.

Staff members of Arnold Palmer Design Company will attend the Tuesday sessions with Palmer. "The Golf Business Forum has continually provided excellent support to APDC and the golf development industry throughout the world." said Erik Larsen, Executive Vice President of APDC. "We are very appreciative for all that the GBF does to help grow the sport."

On Wednesday, Palmer and his group will fly on to St. Andrews, Scotland, where Palmer will play the Old Course in the Spring Medal of the Royal & Ancient with Sir Michael Bonallack, the former Secretary and Chief Executive of the R&A and British Amateur champion, and Harmish Ritchie, the current R&A captain. Palmer will participate in other activities at St. Andrews later in the day before he, his wife Kit and the rest of his party fly back to Latrobe on Friday.

Posted by scurry at 09:45 AM

HOUSE PASSES BACA LEGISLATION HONORING ARNOLD PALMER

April 29, 2009

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.

###

Posted by scurry at 02:14 PM

Arnold Palmer to Present Winnie Palmer Award To Aide Doc Giffin at Met Golf Writers Dinner

April 28, 2009

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

PALMER HONORED BY SELECTION INTO THE FIRST SOUTHERN CONFERENCE HALL OF FAME

April 22, 2009

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

Palmer Supports Stephens Charity Tournament

April 17, 2009

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

PALMER HEADS TO THE MASTERS

April 01, 2009

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

THE PRINCE MEETS THE KING

March 25, 2009

The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard was the setting for a potentially historic photograph Wednesday, as 17-year-old rising Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa - known as the Bashful Prince for his unassuming demeanor - came to meet the King of golf, the tournament host, Arnold Palmer.

"To have our young friend from Japan here to play is great," Palmer said later in a press conference. "I hope he has a good week and enjoys the game."

"We're certainly very pleased. I've heard everything from (him being) a young Tiger Woods to just a really great young man, and having met him and talked to him, he has a great personality. I see from what he's done playing golf that his future is very bright, and not just in Japan but around the world."

Ishikawa arrived at Palmer's second-story executive offices at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge at 9:40 a.m., precisely the appointed time. Ushered to the King's corner office, Ishikawa shook hands with Palmer then in perfect English expressed his appreciation for the invitation.

Palmer took a lapel pin with his umbrella logo and attached it to Ishikawa’s shirt and also gave him several logoed ball markers. Then they headed downstairs for the photo opportunity in front of a large gathering of photographers and television cameramen, mostly from Ishikawa’s home country, who have been following his American tour.

In a press conference later, Ishikawa said: “I (was) so honored when I received Mr. Palmer’s invitation to this tournament. It is going to be my lifetime treasure. I just met Mr. Palmer this morning. It was my wonderful memory, and it’s hard to explain how I feel at the moment. But I could feel he’s a warm-hearted person, just shaking hands.”

At Palmer’s request, the PGA Tour designated Ishikawa to receive an exemption reserved for foreign players in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. “I’ve had a relationship in Japan that has gone on for many, many years,” Palmer said. “When something happens like this young man, who is a real hero, it is obvious that we’re going to hear about it and hear how good he is.”

Ishikawa made history in 2007 when, as a 15-year-old high school freshman, he became the youngest champion ever on one of the world’s major golf tours, winning the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup on the Japan Tour. He became a professional last year and won again at the mynavi ABC Championship and placed second in the Japan Open. He was fifth on the 2008 Japan Tour money list and earned $1,074,469 converted to U.S. dollars. He is presently ranked No. 69 in the world.

While Palmer’s was the first, Ishikawa also accepted invitations from the Masters Tournament and two other PGA Tour events, the Northern Trust Open and the Transitions Championship. “I’ve been in Florida for two weeks now, and I’ve found that orange juice tastes great, and hamburger. So I’m enjoying America,” he said.

This is Ishikawa’s second visit to Bay Hill. Four years ago, he played in an AJGA junior event here.

--Bev Norwood

Posted by scurry at 09:30 PM

RYDER CUP AND PRESIDENTS CUP STARS ENTER ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD

March 21, 2009

Defending champion Tiger Woods leads field of 120 players

The 31st Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard will feature defending champion Tiger Woods along with most of the players from the recent Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams. The PGA Tour event is scheduled for March 23-29 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

The world’s No. 1 player and a five-time winner at Bay Hill, Woods will be joined by the other two current major champions, Trevor Immelman and Padraig Harrington, among 29 players entered from the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

In addition to Woods, past Bay Hill winners in the field of 120 players are Vijay Singh, Kenny Perry, Fred Couples, Paul Azinger, Chad Campbell, Rod Pampling, Tim Herron, Andrew Magee, Paul Goydos and Robert Gamez. Nine members of Captain Azinger’s victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team are entered. They are Campbell, Perry, Stewart Cink, Ben Curtis, Jim Furyk, J.B. Holmes, Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan and Boo Weekley. From the European Ryder Cup team are Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Oliver Wilson.

The latest Presidents Cup teams, from 2007, will be well-represented with 10 players from the American team and eight from the International team. These include U.S. players Woody Austin, Lucas Glover, Charles Howell III, Zach Johnson, David Toms and Scott Verplank, and International players Stuart Appleby, Angel Cabrera, Retief Goosen, Nick O’Hern, Adam Scott and Mike Weir.

Among the 19 players who received sponsor exemptions is Rocco Mediate, appearing in a tournament with Woods for the first time since their playoff at the U.S. Open last June. Woods had surgery on his left knee after that and did not play again until last month. This will be his third tournament of 2009.

For tickets or more information on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 05:31 PM

MEDIATE WANTS TO MAKE PALMER PROUD

March 16, 2009

U.S. Open runner-up among 19 to receive sponsor exemptions to 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

Rocco Mediate will get his wish – another chance to make Arnold Palmer proud.

Mediate was among the 19 players who received sponsor exemptions to the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, scheduled for the week of March 23-29 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

In a hand-written note to Palmer requesting the exemption, Mediate wrote: “I would once again love to play in your tournament. I tried so hard to make you proud last June at the U.S. Open. I hope to have another opportunity to do so at Bay Hill.”

At the U.S. Open Mediate, who had five career victories at age 45, became a hero to millions of golf fans as he battled through 19 playoff holes before finishing second to Tiger Woods, age 32, the world’s No. 1 golfer, with 65 career victories including 14 major championships.

“They say that nobody remembers who finished second in a golf tournament,” Palmer said. “I don’t think that will be the case with the 2008 U.S. Open and Rocco Mediate.”

Woods is the defending and five-time champion of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He has until Friday March 20 to commit to the PGA Tour that he will be at Bay Hill this year. If Woods plays, this would be the first tournament since the U.S. Open to include both Woods and Mediate. Woods had surgery on his left knee in June and did not play again until last month.

Mediate, who is from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, close to Palmer’s home in Latrobe, will be playing for the 21st year (not consecutive) at Bay Hill, where his best finish was second place in 2007, two strokes behind champion Vijay Singh.

Sponsor exemptions also went to three others who have played at Bay Hill for more than 20 years: Corey Pavin will be making his 25th appearance, along with Brad Faxon (23rd) and Billy Andrade (21st). Andrade’s total is consecutive, as he has not missed a year since starting in 1988. Faxon placed second at Bay Hill in 1995 and tied for second in 2003.

In addition to Pavin, the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup captain and 1995 U.S. Open champion, exemptions went to 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup captain and 1996 British Open champion Tom Lehman, 1993 and 1998 U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, and 2001 British Open champion David Duval. Lehman tied for fifth at Bay Hill in 2007 and tied for eighth last year.

Others receiving exemptions included Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa, whose position as a foreign player designated by Commissioner Tim Finchem was announced earlier.

In the category of eight PGA Tour regular or past champion members, exemptions went to Andrade, Faxon, Janzen, Lehman, Mediate, Brian Davis, Jason Gore, and Skip Kendall.

In the category of two players from the top 25 finishers in the 2008 Qualifying Tournament and the 2008 Nationwide Tour, exemptions were given to Greg Owen, who was second at Bay Hill in 2006, and Harrison Frazar.

Eight unrestricted exemptions were awarded to Pavin, Duval, 2008 Southern Amateur champion Kyle Stanley, Erik Compton, D.A. Points, Steve Flesch, Notah Begay, and Vaughn Taylor.

For tickets or more information on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 01:35 PM

Navigating the 31st Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

March 13, 2009

All the information you need to attend the 31st Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

Tournament Dates:

Monday, March 23, 2009 – Sunday, March 29, 2009

Location:

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge 9000 Bay Hill Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819

Schedule of Events:

• Monday, March 23, 2009 – Youth Day/Monday
  PRO-AM
  7:30 a.m. – Junior Golf Breakfast in the Arnold Palmer Terrace Room.
  9:00 a.m. – Monday PRO-AM Tournament begins.
  4:30 p.m. – Coca-Cola® Youth Clinic at the Driving Range.
  ALL YOUTH admitted FREE with paying adult on March 23.
• Tuesday, March 24, 2009
  Practice rounds for PGA TOUR players.
  Wednesday, March 25, 2009 – Wednesday PRO-AM
  PRO-AM Tournament tee times throughout the day, #1
  and #10 tees. (Pairings available day-of.)
• Thursday, March 26, 2009*
  Round 1 of Competition.
• Friday, March 27, 2009*
  Round 2 of Competition.
  College Day - $20 entry for ALL current college students.
• Saturday, March 28, 2009*
  Round 3 of Competition.
• Sunday, March 29, 2009*
  Final Round of Competition.

*All pairings and tee-times will be available on the tournament Web site – ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com – the evening prior to play.

Daily Ticket Information:

• Practice/PRO-AM Ticket (Monday – Wednesday) – $35 Grants admission into the event on any one day, Monday – Wednesday. Monday is a ticketed day for adults, with the addition of a second PRO-AM event ticket.
  All youth are admitted free on Monday with a paid adult. On-site parking included.
• Any One Day Ticket (Thursday – Sunday) – $45 Grants admission into the event on any one day, Thursday – Sunday. Parking at Universal Studios, with complimentary shuttle to the tournament provided.
• Youth Ticket, Ages 11 to 17 – $15 (10 and under free) Grants admission into the event on any one day, Tuesday – Sunday. All youth admitted free with a paid adult on Youth Day – Monday, March 23.
• College Students (Friday, March 27) – $20
  On Friday, March 27, current college students can purchase a discounted ticket with their student ID at Universal Studios tournament parking.
• Military – FREE
  All military receive free admission, any day, all day with a
  valid military ID. Military present their ID to pick up a
  ticket when parking on-site at Bay Hill, Monday –
  Wednesday, and when parking at Universal Studios
  tournament parking, Thursday – Sunday.

Ticket Packages:

• The King’s Club – $2,000
  The King’s Club is the ultimate tournament experience.
  This exclusive ticket package grants weeklong entrance to
  the tournament and access to the King’s Club (Thursday –
  Sunday), an elevated, air-conditioned structure offering
  beautiful views of the 16th and 17th greens. A very
  limited number of tickets are available. Tickets include:
  full food and beverage service; on-site parking with shuttle
  to the front of the venue; player meet and greets;
  premium, limited edition giveaways; access to the Palmer
  Pavilion, Clubhouse and MasterCard Club; and one round
  of golf at the Bay Hill Club.
• Bay Hill Badge – $300
  Includes weeklong access to the Clubhouse and Palmer
  Pavilion. This limited edition badge offers a prime view of
  the putting green, as well as access to the grounds and
  Palmer Pavilion on the 18th tee. Badge holders enjoy the
  privilege of guaranteed on-site parking.
• Clubhouse Badge – $190
  Includes access to the tournament grounds and Bay Hill
  Clubhouse. The Clubhouse offers a prime view of the
  putting green. On-site parking on a space available basis
  is also included.
• Palmer Pavilion Badge – $185
  The Palmer Pavilion features a comfortable, covered
  hospitality area and patio with unique views of the 18th
  green. This badge grants access to the grounds and into
  the Palmer Pavilion Monday – Sunday. It includes on-site
  parking on a space available basis.
• Grounds Badge – $95
  Includes grounds-only admission to the entire
  tournament, Monday – Sunday. Parking with shuttle bus
  is provided at Universal Studios.
• Gold Patron Package – $3,500
  Includes 20 Clubhouse Badges and 10 parking passes for
  guaranteed on-site parking in Lot 10.
• Bay Hill Patron Package – $2,800
  Includes 10 Clubhouse Badges as well as 10 Palmer
  Pavilion Badges. Includes on-site parking on a space
  available basis.

To Purchase Tickets:

Purchase tickets online at ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com, call the Arnold Palmer Invitational Ticket Office at 407-876-7774 or toll-free at 866-764-4843, or purchase at your local participating Edwin Watts stores.

Parking Information:

• On-Site –
  Any One Day (Thursday – Sunday) $20
  Full Week (Thursday – Sunday) $65
  Guaranteed parking on the tournament grounds. Limited availability.
• Free General –
  Thursday – Sunday parking and shuttle service is provided from Universal Studios for all Arnold Palmer Invitational ticket holders.
• Disabled –
  Thursday – Sunday, ALL disabled spectators will be required to park in a handicap-specific, hard surface, covered area at Universal Studios. This handicap area will be serviced by special handicap–equipped shuttles. The drop-off at Bay Hill will be at the end of the Clubhouse area.

Will Call Information:

The Will Call trailer is located on the East side of Turkey Lake Road, between Sand Lake Road and Hollywood Way.

Directions to Will Call:

Traveling either direction on I-4, take exit 74A and head west on Sand Lake Road (once on Sand Lake Road, stay in the far Right lane) to Turkey Lake Road. Turn Right on Turkey Lake Road. Travel approx. one mile. You will come to a traffic light at Wallace Road. The Will Call trailer will be just north of Wallace Road and on the East side of Turkey Lake Road (there will be signs).

Will Call Hours:

Monday, March 23 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 27 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Directions:

To Universal Studios – General Parking

• From Daytona/Sanford: Take I-4 West to Exit 74B;
  Follow signs to tournament.
• From Tampa: Take I-4 East to Exit 74A; Follow signs to
  tournament.

To Bay Hill Club & Lodge

• From Daytona/Sanford: Take I-4 West to Exit 74A; Exit
  right onto Sand Lake Road. Take Sand Lake Road. until
  you end at Apopka-Vineland Road and turn right. Follow
  signs to Gate C for public parking.
• From Tampa: Take I-4 East to Exit 74A; Exit left onto
  Sand Lake Road. Take Sand Lake Road until you end at
  Apopka-Vineland Road and turn right. Follow signs to
  Gate C for public parking.

 

Posted by scurry at 09:00 PM

FURYK IS BACK VYING FOR LONG-SOUGHT BREAKTHROUGH AT ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD

March 11, 2009

Former World No. 2 eager to take on toughened Bay Hill

Jim Furyk admits he didn’t always pencil in a stop at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge on his busy playing schedule. The calendar seemed to work against him, and the Champions Course didn’t seem to suit his game, as much as he enjoyed it.

Now, Furyk is again making a point of heading to central Florida, to the PGA Tour event hosted by one of the game’s legends.

When the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard begins March 26, Furyk will be among the many former major championship winners in the elite, invitation-only field, and the Florida resident hopes he can add to his 13 PGA Tour victories at a tournament that has come to have special meaning for veteran.

Furyk, 39, is a native of Pennsylvania, as is the tournament host, the source of a special bond. That bond was strengthened a few years ago when Palmer wrote to Furyk personally to return to Bay Hill after the 2003 U.S. Open winner had missed the Orlando spot for six years starting in 2000.

“He wrote to me, and that meant a lot,” said Furyk, who last won on the PGA Tour at the 2007 Canadian Open. “I'll be dead honest, if Arnold or someone will talk to you personally or writes you a letter personally and signs it, it would be tough to say no.”

Ranked as high as No. 2 in the world and currently No. 17 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Furyk also sees the tournament dates as being advantageous as he prepares for the first major of the year, the Masters. The Arnold Palmer Invitational has been moved back two weeks to anchor the Florida swing on the PGA Tour.

“This year, it would kind of be a no-brainer for me because of the way the schedule worked for me,” Furyk says. “I’ve played the last few years, and I planned on going this year as well all along. It’s really a tournament I don’t want to miss now. Obviously, a big part of that is simply what Arnold means to the game. Being from Pennsylvania, I’ve always been aware of what he’s done, and of course, the game we are playing today, we all owe a lot to Arnold. The game would be much different without him.”

Furyk would point out that his game is different these days, too, and the changes mean he is better equipped to compete at Bay Hill, not that he has struggled too much before. True, he missed the cut in his first two appearances in 1994 and 1995, but he has scored at par or better in every start since then. His best showing was a tie for eighth in 1998. Last year, he was just three off the lead through two rounds before No. 1 Tiger Woods pulled away for his fifth victory.

“It's actually endearing itself to me,” Furyk says of the 7,157-yard, par- 70 layout. “The more I play it, the more I tend to enjoy it. But I think my game has changed a lot, too, in the last few years, and that probably helps. I think I hit the ball higher, hit the ball a lot farther, and I'm not having some of the issues I had at the course. Plus, I think they're setting it up a little bit differently, which should be interesting. It will be challenging, for sure. I am looking forward to it.”

Palmer said his fellow Keystone State native has to be considered among the favorites because of his ability to drive the ball, a staple of Palmer’s game in his prime.

“Jim drives it well enough, and we aren’t so long that he couldn’t take advantage of some scoring opportunities from the fairways,” Palmer said. “He’s certainly capable of winning here. His game is such that he’s capable of winning anywhere.”

For tickets or for more information, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 12:45 PM

SINGH EAGER FOR ANOTHER SHOT AT ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD

March 05, 2009

FedExCup champion gears up for return to Bay Hill

When Vijay Singh decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery in January on his right knee, one impetus for choosing to not wait was because he didn’t want to risk missing certain events in the first few months of the PGA Tour schedule. No one ever wants to miss a major, so the former Masters champion certainly wanted to be ready for Augusta. But other events were on his mind as well.

“Events like Bay Hill and Pebble Beach, where I’ve had some good success, are very important to me. Those you don’t want to miss,” said Singh, the reigning champion of the PGA Tour’s yearlong FedExCup competition, who underwent surgery January 14 near his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Few tournaments have been a better fit for the fitness-minded, hardworking Singh than the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. The three-time major champion has never missed the cut at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, and, in fact, he showed great promise in the tournament from the beginning.

Singh’s first start as a member of the PGA Tour came at the 1993 edition at Bay Hill, when the tournament was known as the Nestle Invitational, and courtesy of a personal invitation from the legendary host whose name now adorns the tournament, Singh not only showed up, but made his presence felt, finishing second.

But until the 2007 tournament, Singh had piled up 30 PGA Tour victories while meeting with frustration in one of his favorite events. Singh racked up two more runner-up finished and 11 top-25s in his first 14 appearances until finally breaking through with a two-stroke victory over Rocco Mediate. Last year in his title defense he tied for third, three strokes behind Tiger Woods.

Little wonder then that Singh is eager for a return to Bay Hill’s Champion Course. Likewise, it’s no mystery that the talented Fijian will again be among the favorites when the 31st edition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard is held March 23-29.

“I have a long and proud history with the Arnold Palmer Invitational and I consider it one of the most important events on my schedule each year," said Singh, 45, who has won 22 times since he reached age 40, a record. "It was a huge thrill for me when Mr. Palmer offered me an exemption to play 17 years ago, and I have looked forward to Bay Hill every year since. Obviously, finally winning the tournament two years ago, after coming close a number of times, will go down as one of the highlights of my career, and I would love to recapture that moment later this month.”

A former No. 1 player in the world, Singh has broken par at Bay Hill in 12 of his last 16 rounds, and he was one of just three players to shoot par or better in all four rounds a year ago on the 7,157-yard, par-70 layout that Palmer designed.

“I know the golf course; I know how to play it,” said Singh, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006. “I think I owe it to Arnie inviting me there the first time I played in America, so I've played there every single year.”

Palmer expects Singh, one of a number of former champions expected to participate, to again vie for the top spot at the elite, limited-field invitational tournament that offers a purse of $6 million, an increase of $200,000 from a year ago.

“Vijay is such a strong player and he works tremendously hard, so it’s no surprise to me the success he’s had,” Palmer said. “His full swing is very good, one of the best, and he’s very consistent. Bay Hill seems to suit him well.”

For tickets or for more information, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 10:00 AM

A Week with the King

March 03, 2009

PGA Tour players enjoy perk of spending time with host at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

It was autumn when Davis Love III last ran into Arnold Palmer. “ When I saw him, Arnold asked me, ‘You’re going to be at Bay Hill, right?’” Love recalled. “Well, I said I wouldn’t miss it for anything, and you know, I wouldn’t.”

Love is a three-time runner-up of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, so he’s naturally eager to add that title to his 20 career PGA Tour victories. But beating an elite invitational field on a tough golf course isn’t his only motivation for wanting to return to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge for the 31st edition of Palmer’s prestigious event in Orlando, Florida. Neither is playing for a handsome $6 million purse.

“I love the tournament, and I’ve enjoyed the golf course, though I haven’t quite gotten over the hump, but one of the best things about playing at Bay Hill is the time you get to spend with Arnold,” Love said. “You don’t get to do that very much. It’s in honor of him that you want to be there. That’s what was great about playing for him on the Presidents Cup when he was the captain (in 1996) – it’s that the time you get with him that really means something. You don’t forget it.”

Love’s outlook on the long-running PGA Tour event hosted by one of the game’s most beloved figures is shared by many of his peers. When the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard is held March 23-29, many of the 120 players in the elite invitational field will use the trip to renew acquaintances with golf’s recognized “King.”

“We all know about his success on the golf course but it’s what he’s done for the game, and his tournament is a visible example of that,” said Tim Herron, who won the 1999 edition at Bay Hill. “There’s an aura about him that makes him the man, someone who is a great example for golfers and nongolfers. You conduct yourself like Arnold Palmer, and you aren’t going to go wrong. Being around him for that reason is worth the trip.”

“It’s always great to play there, and the course has gotten harder, so it’s even more of an accomplishment to win there, I think,” Paul Goydos, the 1996 champion, added. “But when you go there, it’s still about being there with Arnold. He treats the pros great; the pros are what matter at Bay Hill. It goes back to who he is. It’s all about the professionals there, and you have to come ready to play because you know that’s what he would do.”

There certainly appears to be no shortage of players who have shaped their decisions by thinking about what Arnold Palmer would do. Two-time winner Loren Roberts is among them, and he believes that all golfers would benefit from some informal lessons from the King.

“I’ve always thought that it’s kind of like our young guys who come out of Q-School or the Nationwide Tour or wherever … rookies ought to have to play a couple of rounds of golf with Arnold Palmer, just to see how he treats everyone on the golf course, how he treats the fans, how he conducts himself,” Roberts said. “It should be a prerequisite to play with Arnold and learn a few things.”

Some PGA Tour members who live in Orlando find that one of the perks of a central Florida residency is a greater opportunity to visit with Palmer away from the stress and bustle of tournament week.

“I saw him at a charity event at home in Orlando for the Winnie Palmer and Arnold Palmer Hospitals in December, and he looks great, and he doesn’t look like he’s slowing down at all,” two-time Tour winner Charles Howell III said. “He’s just unbelievable how he interacts with people. I always get a kick out of seeing him, especially in settings like that where you really see what he’s about, which is, basically, that he’s the same no matter the situation. He’s just a phenomenal person.”

“Personally, I love hanging out at Bay Hill, just to be around Arnie. What a lovely man,” Daniel Chopra, another two-time winner, said. “The first time I met him, it was like he was so much larger than life. It was like meeting John Wayne. It has nothing to do with records and such. It’s who he is. He is approachable, and he makes everyone around him feel good. Just a regular guy, and that is his charm.”

According to Goydos, there’s one additional legitimate reason to journey to Bay Hill in late March. “What do we play for that week? (The purse is $6 million.) That’s not even close to what Arnold Palmer has done for us and for the game,” Goydos said. “More than anything, you just want to go there and play well and then be able to say thanks. Really, you can’t thank him enough.”

For tickets to the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard or for more information, log on to the tournament website, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill Club ticket office at 407- 876-7774 or toll free at 1-866-764-4843. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Posted by scurry at 09:16 AM

Kenny Perry has sights set on more Bay Hill success

February 27, 2009

ANOTHER WIN AT ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD WOULD BE JUST AS SPECIAL FOR 2005 WINNER

At the outset of the 2009 season, veteran PGA Tour player Kenny Perry decided to share with the media his goal to win 20 titles by the time he closes the book on his career. But even before he won the FBR Open earlier this year in a playoff for his 13th Tour title, Perry was looking ahead to one of his favorite events, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, as a potential spot for adding to his total.

“There are places I love that I can play, and there are places I love where I can’t seem to get anything going ever,” said Perry, who is ranked No. 9 in the world. “Bay Hill is one of those golf courses where I just feel real comfortable. Guys always talk about a golf course suiting their eye. I can’t really say that about Bay Hill, but I like the course, and I love going there to see Arnie. I haven’t always played well there, and maybe it’s just that I enjoy being there that I feel like I have a good chance to win when I go there.”

Perry, 48, of Franklin, Kentucky, is expected to be among a number of former champions returning to the 31st Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. The prestigious invitational event, which is hosted by Palmer and contested on a gem of a layout that Palmer designed, is scheduled for March 23-29, the final event on the Tour’s Florida Swing.

Winner of the 2005 edition, Perry has a commendable record at Bay Hill, including a tie for second in 2003. His victory two years later represented the eighth of his professional career, which started in 1982. Perry remembers the nervousness he felt coming down the stretch. “It was a big deal because I really wanted to win that tournament. I have always looked up to Arnold; when I was growing up, he was the man. It just seemed like I always got in my own way, but I didn’t that time.”

Perry fired a closing 70 on the Championship Course for a two-stroke victory over Vijay Singh and Graeme McDowell in what was essentially a threeman race. Perry finished at 12-under 276, while Singh and McDowell closed at 10 under par. Retief Goosen was fourth another five shots back at five-under 283.

“Bay Hill is a tactician kind of golf course,” Perry said. “You really have to navigate around all the problems, and you have to hit it good and be smart at the same time. I’ve always been a good ball-striker. My whole career I’ve been pretty solid from tee to green. Normally the rough is very tough at Bay Hill, and the greens are firm. The year I won, I hit more fairways than anybody else. I drove it great, and that’s what you have to do because that sets up everything else.

“That was a special week,” Perry added. “I played so well, and when you get in that position in an event that means something to you … you try not to think about it. You start to think about what it means to win Arnold Palmer’s tournament and you could mess up real quickly. And then to have him standing out there with that big sword … getting the trophy from him, that was magical stuff.”

Perry, who did not get to defend his title in 2006 because of knee surgery, admits that trying to win 20 times isn’t necessarily a realistic goal, but it gives him something to strive for. He thinks he does have one attribute in common with the tournament host: a natural strength that keeps him competitive against waves of younger players.

“Arnold was such a strong guy in his prime, and that made him exciting,” Perry said. “I’m not saying I’m like Arnold, but I’m lucky that I’m still healthy and I can still do what I want with my golf swing. I am a pretty big guy. I might have lost a little clubhead speed, but the game has not passed me by yet. New equipment, new ball … I can still hit it as far as anybody, and I still feel like I can compete with anybody.”

For tickets or more information on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 09:19 AM

Trump, Rahr Give $350,000 to Palmer Hospital

February 26, 2009

Arnold Palmer took philanthropists Stewart Rahr and Donald Trump on a tour of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando and the two prominent business executives presented him with a $350,000 check for the Children’s Hospital in return.

“Arnold, you should be really proud,” said Mr. Trump after flying in from New York for the visit. “This is a great hospital. The world needs to know about this place.”

Added Mr. Rahr, CEO of Kinray Inc., a major pharmaceutical distribution firm: “Donald and I both made this possible. I hope it helps.”

Rahr previously donated $400,000 to the Arnold Palmer Hospital through a charity event in which he purchased a round of golf with Mr. Palmer.

“We appreciate the generosity of both Mr. Trump and Mr. Rahr and their support of our mission to provide state-of-the-art, specialized care for our patients,” remarked John Bozard, the president of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, which supports both hospitals. “Their donation will touch the lives of many children and families.”

Mr. Palmer concurred, stating that “I am most appreciate that these two very busy business executives accepted my invitation to come to Orlando for this visit and am particularly grateful for their extremely-generous contribution.”

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is a 158-bed facility in Orlando dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. The hospital provides expertise in pediatric specialties such as cardiac care, craniomaxillofacial surgery, emergency and trauma care, gastroenterology, nephrology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and sports medicine. Visit arnoldpalmerhospital.com for further information.

Posted by scurry at 04:18 PM

ORLANDO'S SIGNATURE SPORTS EVENT GIVES BACK WITH SPECIAL COMMUNITY OFFERS

-- The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard Offers Free Entry to Military and Discounted Entry to College Students --

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 26, 2009) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is one of Central Florida’s signature events and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf.  This year, they are offering an opportunity for military personnel to experience the tournament for free, while giving college students a day at the tournament for only $20, less than half the price of a one-day ticket.

Thanking them for their service to the country, military personnel will receive free entry any day, all day.  And, giving them a special discount, current college students can attend the tournament for only $20 on College Day, Friday, March 27.  To take advantage of this offer, military simply need to present their ID to pick-up a ticket when parking onsite at Bay Hill March 23 - March 25, and when parking at Universal Studios tournament parking March 26 - March 29.  Students will need to show a current student ID at Universal Studios tournament parking on March 27 to purchase their ticket.

“It is a core tradition for the tournament to give back to the community,” said Tournament Director Scott Wellington.  “This opportunity for students and military to attend is yet another example of Mr. Palmer’s unending commitment to Central Florida, especially in difficult economic times.”

Along with these offers, all youth (under 17) are admitted free with a paid adult on Monday, March 23, to watch the Pro-Am action live.  Additionally, at 4:30 p.m., they will have the opportunity to observe the Coca-Cola Junior Golf Clinic held at the driving range featuring a PGA TOUR Pro.

There are also several different ticket package options ranging from $45 for a one-day adult ticket, to $95 for a weeklong grounds badge, or $300 for weeklong prime greens viewing and access to the tournament, Bay Hill Clubhouse and Palmer Pavilion.  Additional badges and group packages are also available.  Individuals who purchase their tickets using a MasterCard receive a 5 percent discount on their total purchase.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will celebrate its 31st year of exceptional golf on March 23-29, 2009 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.  Tickets can now be purchased online at ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com, by phone at 866-764-4843 or 407-876-7774, or in person at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Ticket Office at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. 

About the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will hold its 31st annual tournament March 23-29, 2009.  As one one of Central Florida’s signature events, the tournament is a premier sporting event and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf.  The entire event is overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats — Arnold Palmer.  Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Posted by scurry at 11:28 AM

COUNT BIRDIES TO HELP BABIES IN NEED OF CRITICAL CARE

-- Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation Launches Birdies for Babies Fundraising Program in Partnership with the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard --

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 26, 2009) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is one of Central Florida’s signature events and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf.  This year, they are offering an opportunity for military personnel to experience the tournament for free, while giving college students a day at the tournament for only $20, less than half the price of a one-day ticket.

Thanking them for their service to the country, military personnel will receive free entry any day, all day.  And, giving them a special discount, current college students can attend the tournament for only $20 on College Day, Friday, March 27.  To take advantage of this offer, military simply need to present their ID to pick-up a ticket when parking onsite at Bay Hill March 23 - March 25, and when parking at Universal Studios tournament parking March 26 - March 29.  Students will need to show a current student ID at Universal Studios tournament parking on March 27 to purchase their ticket.

“It is a core tradition for the tournament to give back to the community,” said Tournament Director Scott Wellington.  “This opportunity for students and military to attend is yet another example of Mr. Palmer’s unending commitment to Central Florida, especially in difficult economic times.”

Along with these offers, all youth (under 17) are admitted free with a paid adult on Monday, March 23, to watch the Pro-Am action live.  Additionally, at 4:30 p.m., they will have the opportunity to observe the Coca-Cola Junior Golf Clinic held at the driving range featuring a PGA TOUR Pro.

There are also several different ticket package options ranging from $45 for a one-day adult ticket, to $95 for a weeklong grounds badge, or $300 for weeklong prime greens viewing and access to the tournament, Bay Hill Clubhouse and Palmer Pavilion.  Additional badges and group packages are also available.  Individuals who purchase their tickets using a MasterCard receive a 5 percent discount on their total purchase.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will celebrate its 31st year of exceptional golf on March 23-29, 2009 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.  Tickets can now be purchased online at ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com, by phone at 866-764-4843 or 407-876-7774, or in person at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Ticket Office at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. 

About the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will hold its 31st annual tournament March 23-29, 2009.  As one one of Central Florida’s signature events, the tournament is a premier sporting event and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf.  The entire event is overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats — Arnold Palmer.  Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Posted by scurry at 11:25 AM

IMMELMAN SIGNS ON FOR HIS SEVENTH

February 25, 2009

Masters champion Trevor Immelman has never missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard since coming to America to play full-time, and Immelman confirmed his seventh consecutive appearance Tuesday with his official commitment to the PGA Tour.

The 3lst annual Arnold Palmer Invitational will be held March 23-29 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Tiger Woods is the defending and five-time champion at Bay Hill. Woods also was the runner-up by three strokes to Immelman in the 2008 Masters.

“Besides the majors, there are some tournaments everyone would like to win in their careers. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of those, because of the tournament’s namesake and the tremendous golf course,” said Immelman, now ranked No. 25 in the world. “I have been at Bay Hill every year since I started playing regularly in America, and one of these years I want to be there at the end for Mr. Palmer to shake my hand. That would be a moment to remember.”

Palmer and Immelman share a Masters distinction. Immelman’s 75 in buffeting winds, gusting to 35 miles an hour on the last day, matched Palmer’s score from 1962 for the highest final round by a Masters champion. Immelman tied for 48th in the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational despite his 64 in the second round. His best finish at Bay Hill was his tie for ninth in 2007, when he shot 66 in the first round. He tied for 46th in 2004 and missed the 36-hole cut in his other three appearances.

The 29-year-old South African posted his first American victory in 2006 in the Cialas Western Open and entered 2009 with PGA Tour career earnings over $9 million. He also has six international victories plus the 2003 World Cup with South African teammate Rory Sabbatini.

For tickets or more information on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 09:05 AM

HARRINGTON LEADS THE WORLD TO BAY HILL

February 19, 2009

Padraig Harrington, the 2008 PGA Tour Player of the Year, made his commitment Wednesday to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

When the dates were moved forward two weeks to March 23-29, Tournament Director Scott Wellington predicted a stronger field of international players for the 31st annual event at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

"I was delighted when I saw that the Arnold Palmer Invitational was two weeks before the Masters, because it fits my schedule perfectly. I have played the tournament only twice, early in my career, but I look forward to returning," said Harrington, the 37-year-old Irishman who won last year's British Open and PGA Championship.

"The admiration which the players have for Arnold Palmer and the character of the golf course make the tournament one of the most respected on the PGA Tour. I look forward to playing Bay Hill, which offers a tough challenge with an exciting finish – the 16th, 17th and 18th holes make up one of the toughest finishes in golf."

Harrington, currently No. 3 on the World Ranking, is the highest-ranked player who has not competed in the tournament in recent years. He tied for 50th at Bay Hill in 1998 and missed the cut in 2000. His commitment opens the possibility that the Arnold Palmer Invitational could feature all the top-10 players in the world. The other nine have competed at Bay Hill regularly or at least as recently as 2007 or 2008.

"Padraig obviously has been on our wish list," Wellington said. "We have always had one of the best fields of players in the world, including most of the highest-ranked players. But this year we should have more players who have not previously included us on their schedules, and we hope to get several more highly-ranked players."

Harrington has 17 career victories worldwide, including five on the PGA Tour. He won the Honda Classic and Barclays Classic in America in 2005, and claimed the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie for his first major championship and the first by an Irishman in 60 years.

Last year Harrington repeated in the British Open at Royal Birkdale then won the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills. He was the first European to win back-to-back major titles, the first European since James Braid in 1906 to win consecutive British Opens, and the first European since Tommy Armour in 1930 to win the PGA Championship.

His first victory was in the 1996 Spanish Open. He has been among the top three European money leaders for seven of the last eight years and won the Order of Merit in 2006.

For tickets or more information on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 09:00 AM

SOME VICTORIES MEAN MORE THAN OTHERS

February 18, 2009

A champion golfer will tell you that winning any tournament is memorable and rewarding, for many reasons, one of the most prominent being that victories are so difficult to attain. They also are likely to say that some mean more than others.

Players who have won the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard are inclined to agree that claiming victory at Palmer's robust Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, ranks among the most special of their careers. It is not just the prestige the invitational event carries that makes this a coveted crown, but also the experience of receiving a trophy from the tournament's namesake, the Hall of Fame player known as "the King."

"I played the PGA Tour for 12 1/2 years before I broke through, and to have my first win at Arnold's event, and to have Arnold Palmer hand me the trophy, was about as meaningful as it can get for a first-time winner, or, I think, for anyone," said Loren Roberts, who won the 1994 and 1995 titles. "I was emotional about it, truly emotional. We all know what he's meant to the game. We all know what he stands for, and his tournament, by extension stands for the very best of the game of golf, plain and simple."

If anyone holds his victory at Bay Hill more dear than Roberts, it might be Paul Azinger, the 1993 PGA champion and the captain of the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team. Azinger was a member of the Brevard Junior College golf team when he went to work as a summer counselor and instructor in 1979 at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy. The eight weeks at Bay Hill literally altered his prospects as a golfer.

"I was on the C Team at Brevard at the time, and I had never broken 70 in my life up to that point. I just wasn't a very good player," Azinger recalled. "But living at Bay Hill, working with kids, playing the course every day, it really changed me. I went out and broke 70 later that summer, moved up to the A Team, then I got a scholarship to Florida State University, where I played for one year. Six years later I was the PGA Tour Player of the Year (in 1987). How about that?"

Yes, how about that?

But there's even more to the story. Azinger was heading out to the West Coast in early 1988, and a magazine story drew his ire; the gist of the piece was to question whether or not the Florida native was a fluke. He arrived at Bay Hill with the question still dogging him, even though he had posted five top-25 finishes in his first seven starts. He quieted the doubters with a five-stroke victory over Tom Kite.

"That was a huge deal for me, just a gigantic win," Azinger said. "I kind of got that monkey off my back. The fact that I used to work there, and then to win, was really a neat thing. And then to have Arnold standing there with me ... that was the topper to it all. So, yeah, it was a very big deal."

Others who conquered Bay Hill would agree. Andrew Magee, the 1991 champion, has said that only the major championships carry more cachet than the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Paul Goydos considers his 1996 triumph "as good as a major." Two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, who captured the 1993 title, said Palmer's tournament ranks among the finest in golf simply because of its host. Chad Campbell lists among his career highlights the 2005 edition, when he not only captured his second PGA Tour trophy, but also had the honor of playing with Palmer in the first two rounds of what was the King's final appearance as a competitor.

"When you win a tournament that has the name of Arnold Palmer on it, obviously, it's going to be special. It means a lot," says Ernie Els, the 1998 champion. "I've been very fortunate. I've won tournaments hosted by Arnold, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus and you feel those have a little bit more to them.

"You also have to look at the golf course; that is one tough place," Els added with a grin. "You're never going to scrape it around there and expect to do well. It asks a lot of your game there. It keeps you on your toes, and at the end of the week, if you're the winner, you know you've earned it."

One of Kenny Perry's 10 victories since turning 40 came at the 2005 Arnold Palmer Invitational, and he admits it took some of his best golf to register his two-stroke victory over Vijay Singh and Graeme McDowell.

"Bay Hill is a tactician kind of golf course," said Perry, who won the FBR Open in February. "You really have to navigate around all the problems, and you have to hit it good and be smart at the same time. Normally the rough is very tough and the greens are firm. The year I won, I hit more fairways than anybody else. I drove it great, and that's what you have to do because that sets up everything else.

"That was a special week," Perry added. "I played so well, and when you get in that position in an event that means something to you ... you try not to think about it. You start to think about what it means to win Arnold Palmer's tournament and you could mess up real quickly. And then to have him standing out there with that big sword ... getting the trophy from him, that was magical stuff."

The 31st Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard is scheduled for March 23-29, the final stop on the PGA Tour's Florida Swing. Tiger Woods is the defending champion of the premier invitational event that features 120 of the game's best players from around the world.

For tickets or for more information, log on to the tournament web site, www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call the Bay Hill ticket office 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 09:35 AM

GEARING UP FOR MORE GREAT GOLF

February 11, 2009

Host Arnold Palmer relishes new date, expects great field for 31st annual PGA Tour tournament that bears his name

He is nearing his 80th birthday and doesn't play golf quite as much as he used to, but Arnold Palmer still has a passion for the game, still wants to give back to it and still enjoys talking about it, especially when the tournament that bears his name is one of the topics.

"My mind never strays too far from the game. It's what I love, and it's something that has given me great joy and satisfaction through the years," Palmer said. "If you want to talk about golf, I'm always a willing participant. And that's true in regards to anything else related to golf, be it playing, watching or hosting a golf tournament."

On that last score, Palmer is pulling double duty in 2009. Having just recently served as host for the 50th Bob Hope Classic in Palm Desert, California, the legendary leader of Arnie's Army now is gearing up to host the 31st annual Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. The invitational tournament contested at Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, has a new slot on the PGA Tour calendar, being played March 23-29 as the anchor tournament in the Tour's Florida swing. Palmer, now age 79, is expecting another strong field as the tournament moves to a position just two weeks before the Masters Tournament, the year's first major championship.

"I like the new dates, and it could make our field stronger, although we've always enjoyed having great fields," said Palmer, winner of 62 PGA Tour titles, including seven professional major championships. "I think being two weeks before the Masters, that's something new to talk about, and I like it, obviously. I'm optimistic that we'll have a great event."

Could the new dates warrant a change in golf course setup?

"I think we'll want to speed the greens up just slightly to give the guys a feel for faster greens," Palmer said. "Since we're closer to the Masters, we want to justify guys coming here to not only compete, but also to get ready to attack Augusta. By and large the course will be about the same as it has been, a very good test."

The Champion Course at Bay Hill Club, converted in 2007 to a par-70 layout, plays to 7,157 yards with fast fairways lined by three inches of rough, and firm greens. Tiger Woods is the defending champion after sinking a 25-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to score a one-stroke victory over Bart Bryant and win Palmer's tournament for the fifth time.

"It will be tough to top that finish," Palmer said enthusiastically, "but every year brings something pretty exciting. We have had great tournaments, and we are expecting another great one this year. The golf course is the best it's been in a long time. I'm pleased with how it's shaping up. I think the players will enjoy it."

One of the premier stops on the PGA Tour, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard traditionally draws one of the strongest fields among golf tournaments from around the world. In addition to Woods, still rehabbing his knee after reconstructive surgery last summer, other past champions who could return include Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Fred Couples, Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell, Tim Herron, Rod Pampling and Paul Goydos.

For tickets to the 2009 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 04:16 PM

Palmer Chosen for Southern Conference Inaugural Class of 10

January 29, 2009

The Southern Conference, once the home of most Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference schools, chose Arnold Palmer among its inaugural Hall of Fame class of 10.

"We're extremely proud of this announcement, one that's been 88 years in the making," league commissioner John Iamarino said. "The achievements of this first group of inductees are truly remarkable."

Palmer, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, played at Wake Forest from 1948-50 and 1953-54. He was the NCAA's stroke-play medalist in 1949 and 1950, helping the Demon Deacons win the 1950 SoCon title. Palmer won the Southern Conference championship in 1948 and 1949. As a pro, Palmer won seven major championships, including four Masters.

Others named to the hall were Jerry West of West Virginia; Sam Huff of West Virginia; Dick Groat of Duke; Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice of North Carolina; Frank Selvy of Furman; Adrian Peterson of Georgia Southern; Melissa Morrison Howard of Appalachian State; Valorie Whiteside of Appalachian State; and Megan Dunigan of Furman.

Others named to the hall were Jerry West of West Virginia; Sam Huff of West Virginia; Dick Groat of Duke; Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice of North Carolina; Frank Selvy of Furman; Adrian Peterson of Georgia Southern; Melissa Morrison Howard of Appalachian State; Valorie Whiteside of Appalachian State; and Megan Dunigan of Furman.

Posted by scurry at 04:21 PM

CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB TO HOST 2009 PALMER CUP

January 28, 2009

Historic Cherry Hills Country Club will host will host the 2009 Palmer Cup. Site of seven USGA competitions and two PGA Championships, Cherry Hills is where Arnold Palmer won his lone U.S. Open. The annual Ryder Cup-style competition will be played June 3-5. Cherry Hills will be the furthest west site for the Palmer Cup.

"Cherry Hills is very excited to host the 2009 Palmer Cup," said Cherry Hills Head Golf Professional John Ogden. "Arnold Palmer is synonymous with Cherry Hills and naturally we are thrilled to host a tournament of this caliber which bears his name. The membership is looking forward to seeing how the top collegiate players in the world handle the newly restored William Flynn masterpiece."

Cherry Hills Country Club was born in 1922 from wealthy businessmen in the city of Denver and carved from the earth by well-known designer William Flynn, who charged the princely sum of $4,500 for his architectural services. But, as anyone knows, you can't just buy tradition. This intangible is earned over time, stamped with the seal of approval by those who have walked its fairways and become champions under the most challenging of conditions. Cherry Hills certainly has earned its place on the American golf landscape. Champions at competitions held at the venerated course have included some of the game's greats: Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Jay Sigel, Hubert Green, Andy North, Ralph Guldahl, Vic Ghezzi and Lewis Oehmig. After hosting the 2005 Women's Open, Cherry Hills joined Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., as the only courses to have hosted the U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women's Open.

Currently under restoration, Cherry Hills will play approximately 7,600 yards when it is finished in the spring. Not only will the renovation add length to the storied venue but will also return it closer to the original concept of Flynn. The Palmer Cup will be the first major event played at Cherry Hills following the restoration.

"We're extremely honored to be playing the Palmer Cup at such a fine course as Cherry Hills," said GCAA president
Mark Crabtree. "It's always great to be at a venue that has hosted so many championships, but staging the Palmer
Cup at the site of Arnold Palmer's 1960 U.S. Open triumph is extra special."

Posted by scurry at 10:38 AM

Interview with Arnold Palmer from the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

January 20, 2009

MARK STEVENS: We'd like to welcome Mr. Arnold Palmer to the media center for the 50th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Mr. Palmer is the host this year. He actually won the very first Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 1960. Of his 62 TOUR wins, he has won five times at the Hope after playing in 42 of the 50 events here. And he actually won the last of his 62 events right here at the Hope in 1973. We're going to start out and have Mr. Palmer give a few general comments about coming back this year as the host and then we'll open the floor up to questions. Thank you very much.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, good morning and nice to see you all on this Inauguration Day and to be here. As you know, I keep reasonably busy with my various jobs that I have around and to be here for the hope this year is a great pleasure. And it's a particular pleasure since a good friend of mine, Ernie Dunlevie has also been 50 years at this tournament.

I think one of the things that always attracts me is the fact that the golf courses here in the desert are pristine. They are all always in such great condition and the conditions for playing are so good.

Other than that, and seeing a lot of my old friends that I haven't seen a lot lately, it's fun. It's fun for me to be here and to be a part of this this year.

MARK STEVENS: Okay. Thank you. We have a microphone over here. So please make use of those.

Q. Good morning, Mr. Palmer.

ARNOLD PALMER: Good morning.

Q. Can you talk about the good feelings you have when you come back here? Is that more than just the fact that you won the golf tournaments here?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, yeah, the feelings are wonderful. As I say, seeing a lot of my old friends and being able to talk to them and have a drink with them and just watch what is going on and kind of comparing from the first Classic to this one, and seeing all the things that have happened is fun. It's fun for me and I've been reminiscing quite a lot, just at the various clubs and seeing the various people that I am seeing.

Q. What's the biggest change that you've seen in this tournament? Is it the gallery or what?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, one of the things is the press. The press is far more represented here now than it was in the first one. And the galleries certainly I think in 1960 you could have probably shot a gun off and not hit anybody. But it has steadily increased from that first one and certainly I think that's something that is very important. I think the fact that the tournament and the prominence of the tournament has increased rather dramatically over the last 50 years.

Q. How would you describe the state of your golf game right now and do you play much and do you wish you could play more?

ARNOLD PALMER: I do not play much. I play occasionally in the Bay Hill Shoot out. I played yesterday about 12 holes and my back got sore and I quit. So that is one of my serious considerations when I play, the fact that I have a bit of a back problem and can't seem to shake it off. It doesn't prevent me from doing most of the things I want to do, but it does have a radical affect on my golf game. And my golf game is not good. Occasionally I hit a good shot and I'm like the every day golfer that goes out and walks up the 18th hole and all of a sudden he hits a shot or makes a putt and can't wait to get back the next day. But it is not competitive any more for me.

Q. I know this is, you've been going near to this day of not being able to play very much, but does that make you sad?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, it makes me sad that I can't hit the golf ball the way I once did. That is a very sad situation mentally for me. When I play with some of my friends, amateurs or pros, and compare, it's hard to take. But I enjoy it. And I do it because of the friends that I have and the people that I enjoy being out there with.

Q. I'm wondering if you were able to watch the Inauguration or the oath this morning and even if you weren't, what your thoughts on that were.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, I watched it. I watched Obama take the oath and I watched most of his remarks. And I thought they were fine. I think he's starting out pretty good. He's got a pretty rough task in front of him. And I hope he can stick with it. I hope that he can go down the middle as he has indicated he might and get some things done.

Those of us in the golf business are feeling a pretty radical affect on our business in the game. It doesn't matter whether it's selling equipment or whether it's building golf courses, or whether it's sponsoring golf tournaments.

Q. Back in the day this tournament used to drawing most of the best players on TOUR, in recent years there have been a lot of players who have passed it up, what's changed about that do you think?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, that's a tough question because I understand where you're coming from with the question and how to answer it without getting into a crossfire is difficult. It's been so very good for all of the players, the people who are out here playing and I would just hope that they would understand that they need to support the tournaments as much as they possibly can. I was a player and I knew and I know that you can't play every week. But when I hear some of the reasons for not playing it disturbs me a little. And they do need to get out and support the events. I suppose like everything else, if there's a dramatic reduction in tournaments, they will then understand and maybe they will support them a little more than they do.

Having been a player and having the experience of understanding what it means to play and be supportive is very, very important.

Q. In your prime, obviously every tournament on TOUR would love to have had you in their field. And yet you know you couldn't play every week. How do you balance the demands of some of the top players who are in such demand with their need to make sure they have some time off?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, you can't, there's not a way that you can predict or know what the top players are going to do. Certainly some players start out with a routine and they stick with that routine throughout their career.

On the other hand, a lot of the players will play every week or as much as they can. I used to try to spread my tournament appearances so that I never missed a tournament more than two years in a row. If I missed it, I tried to go back the next year. Tournaments like the Hope, of course I played every year because I just simply enjoyed being here and the conditions under which we were playing.

But in my early years and when I was playing pretty well I was playing somewhere close to 30 tournaments a year. I mean that was hitting it pretty strong.

Q. Slightly frivolous question, what advice do you have for somebody who is 80 years old and just beginning to play golf?

ARNOLD PALMER: I don't know anybody 80 years old who is just beginning to play golf. (Laughter.)

I knew what you were saying. (Laughter.)

Q. I'm looking for a free lesson.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, I would probably give them the same advice I take personally, since I'm almost 80 years old and I still go out and practice and hit the ball and I enjoy that. Sometimes I actually enjoy more hitting and practicing than I do playing. So I do that a lot. And that would be my advice to someone that's 80 years old.

Q. I'll bet you can break 120 though.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, it's getting difficult to do that. I know. I understand. But hitting balls and working at your game, even though you're not maybe taking it to the course is something that is enjoyable, it's enjoyable for me.

Q. I'm wondering if you had ever talked to George Lopez about the last, previous two years about his experiences hosting this and then maybe if you feel like this tournament needs for the foresee able future another of course you can't have another Bob Hope, but somebody to really be established as the host of this for 10 years, 20 years, whatever. Do you think this tournament needs that?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, I have not talked to George, so I can't talk about that. I suppose that because of Bob Hope and the fact that he was such a great host and provided a lot of interest in the tournament that that's probably the type of thing that they're looking for here. And hopefully they will find someone that will be able to do that.

Q. You talk just a little bit about the experience of playing in the pro am and that, I assume you met some friends, made some lasting friendships and the fun of it all.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, that of course was part of what I enjoyed. And I have to say that even though that becomes a detriment to some of the players playing with the amateurs, I found that it was pretty enjoyable. And today I still have many friends who I met here playing in the pro am. And they're good friends. And in addition to that, some of them were people who had the wares for my association business wise. And that has worked out extremely well over the years, even though I haven't played in a number of years, the friendships and the business associates that I have made through this tournament have been extremely valuable.

Q. From what you know about Tiger Woods, do you expect him to come back as good as ever and how much of a bonus would it be if he came back and played at your tournament?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, first of all, I don't think there's any question about the fact that he is capable and will be capable of taking up where he left off. I think that's, in my mind, that's a foregone conclusion, that he will be just as good or better than he was.

What would it mean if he came and played at Bay Hill to defend it? It would mean a great deal if that was his first event back, which is certainly, let's say, possible. We would love to have him do that. And it would call attention to my tournament and the fact that he is the defending champion.

I think that the most recent situation is that he will come and he will be back and what tournament he chooses, who knows. I don't know. Unless and there's one other circumstance that could kind of foil the whole thing, and that is that he might become ambassador to some country in the world, now that he is, he was at the Inauguration and he played a reasonable role in that. So he may get appointment from the President, who knows.

Q. Kind of off subject, but I assume that you were pleased with the results of the football game on Sunday.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, you don't know what you just said. Or you do know what you just said, but you don't know how that affects me. Because both football games I had a very keen interest in. One, the Steelers have been a team that I have rooted for since I knew what a football was; and the other thing is that Arizona, who happens to have a coach that is a very good friend of mine, and also a scratch player, golfer, you didn't know that, he is a very good player, and he is the offensive, was the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And we played some golf when he was there.

So I had a definite interest in those games and since I was forced to make a choice for the coming Super Bowl, I will, I don't mind telling you, unless you know already.

Q. No.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, every year they have a poll and I won it a couple years ago right when I was here. And this year I've made my selection and reluctantly, however, but I'm picking the Steelers 28 14 over Arizona.

Q. When you remember winning here the first one of these, what specific memory comes to mind?

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, I think that as I mentioned earlier, one of the things that I enjoyed so much here was the conditions. The golf courses from day one have been excellent. Excellent playing conditions. And of course the people, the gallery. In the early days, I knew everyone in the gallery.

(Laughter.) Well almost.

(Laughter.)

And that hasn't changed too much over the years. But those are the things that stand out. As I said, playing Indian Wells and Eldorado and Bermuda Dunes, that was fun. And the golf courses were ideal.

Q. In the spirit of Inauguration Day I'm wondering if you can talk about which Presidents you've played golf with and maybe who you had the most fun playing golf with.

ARNOLD PALMER: Well, I've had the good fortune to play golf with quite a few Presidents. Jerry Ford was a good, he was a personal friend. Oh, you could almost name it from there. I think the man that I spent the most time with on the golf course and personally was President Eisenhower. I played a lot of golf with him, I played exhibitions with him for the Heart Fund, and after a number of years when he was told he shouldn't play golf any more, we used to just visit. And I, when he lived at Eldorado I would go there to his house and we would spend a couple hours in the afternoon just talking and maybe sipping on a beer or something like that. So he and I were, I would say, very close. He was one of my close friends.

MARK STEVENS: Okay. Well, thank you, Mr. Palmer, for being here for the 50th anniversary of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

ARNOLD PALMER: Thank you.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports ...

Posted by scurry at 03:24 PM

Arnold Palmer to Attend the KPMG Golf Business Forum

January 15, 2009

Arnold Palmer, one of the world's most recognized sportsmen, iconic golfer, business executive and talented golf course designer, will attend the sixth annual KPMG Golf Business Forum to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Arnie, as he is affectionately known to sports fans across the globe, was voted 'Athlete of the Decade' for the 1960s, a time when his popularity and success reached heights never seen before in world sport. Before, during and after that great decade, he amassed 92 championships in professional competition, including seven Majors. He also participated in seven Ryder Cup Matches, six times as a player, successfully captaining the side in 1963, and again as a non-playing captain in 1975.

On May 5, Arnold Palmer will be recognized for his lifetime commitment to the business and the game of golf and will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in front of an expected audience of more than 300 international industry professionals at The Celtic Manor Resort, Wales, venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

"Arnold Palmer is not only one of the world's greatest golfing legends, he is also an icon of today's international golf business," said Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG's Golf Advisory Practice in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMA). "Arnold's presence at the 2009 Golf Business Forum will make this year's event exceptionally special and we are privileged not only to be able to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to him in person, but also to have the opportunity to hear insights from one of the golf industry's pioneers and most revered businessmen."

The Golf Business Forum, which has established itself as the leading golf business event for the EMA region (Europe, The Middle East and Africa), will this year focus on topics relating to financing, development, golf tourism, and design, and will include interactive panel discussions, country focus sessions, key-note presentations from industry experts, and an array of networking opportunities.
For more information about the Golf Business Forum, visit: www.golfbusinessforum.com

Posted by scurry at 04:19 PM

Arnold Palmer and Bob Hope

January 14, 2009

Two old friends will be getting together in the desert this week and the golf world is invited to whoop it up right along with the chuckling chums.

Arnold Palmer and Bob Hope have been linked in golf and fun for more than 50 years. The gala 50th anniversary of the Bob Hope Classic, Jan. 19-25, will be hosted by Palmer, the man who through dint of being a five-time Hope winner, could for years have practically claimed co-ownership of the tournament.

“It is very special to me to be asked to serve as host of the 50th anniversary Bob Hope Classic,” Palmer says. “I enjoyed some of my greatest success in the Hope in the early years and have loved the Palm Springs area ever since I first laid eyes on it.

“I consider it a great honor to follow in the footsteps of Bob Hope as host of this wonderful tournament, which has been a PGA Tour mainstay for so many years. I thought the world of Bob Hope and spent many priceless hours with him on and off the golf course.

“He loved the game and was a great contributor to its growth and popularity.”

The Hope, coming  just two months prior to the March 23-29 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club, (www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com), puts Palmer in the unique position of hosting two marquee PGA tournaments before the season’s first major, a fact not lost on Hope organizers.

“We are privileged to have Arnold Palmer as our host for this special year and we know Bob would agree,” says Hope Classic president Dave Erwin. “There is not a more appropriate person to help us celebrate our 50th year of this wonderful event. In addition to his success here as a player, it was because of Arnold’s classic style and unmatched connection to his adoring fans that we ever reached such an honorable milestone.”

The Palmer-Hope relationship predates by nearly four years the wave of sporting and celebrity popularity that would make the Palmer name as famous as Hope’s. It was in 1954 after the Latrobe golfer’s pivotal U.S. Amateur victory that Hope invited the 25-year-old Palmer to New York to appear on the monthly “Bob Hope Show” in the then-still fledgling television industry.

“I was in awe of Bob Hope and the situation,” Palmer told Kingdom Magazine recently. “Bob made me feel like I had known him for years from that very first show. And I was surprised at how casual he was about it. He made some offhand comments about how to play golf and how good he was.”

No one, not even the soon-to-be professional himself, sensed at the time just how good Palmer was about to become.

It wasn’t until the Masters in 1958 that Palmer truly vaulted onto the national consciousness, a place from which he’s never been dislodged.

He went on to win 92 times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by seven major championships. The total ranks him fifth on the all-time winner’s list, but it was his go-for-broke style and approachable, charismatic personality that’s made him an indelible fan favorite.

Many of his career playing and course design highlights have Coachella Valley desert roots. He played his first tournament there in 1956 at the Thunderbird Invitational, a tournament that was home to his first desert win in 1959 with a come-from-behind final-round 62.

The next year he won the inaugural Palm Springs Golf Classic, the tournament that would be renamed for host and golf fanatic Bob Hope. He won the Hope again in 1962, ‘68, ‘71 and in ‘73 overtook and fended off a tenacious Jack Nicklaus for what would be his final victory of his stellar PGA Tour career.

He returned in 1986 to participate in the first Skins Game played at PGA West.

He skipped the tournament for the first time in 1997 when he underwent successful prostate cancer surgery. But he was back the next year and in 2001 he shot a 1-under par 71 to become the first player in tournament history to shoot his age.

And, competitive golf aside, Palmer’s had more than his share of memories that had nothing to do with pressure putts and high-stakes golf.

In 1963, he appeared in Hope’s popular movie, “Call Me Bwana.”

Palmer’s left his mark in other ways, as well. Arnold Palmer Design Company has designed five Palm Springs-area courses, three of which -- SilverRock Resort, Bermuda Dunes and Palmer Private at PGA West -- are in this week’s Hope rotation.

After a week of galas, golf and recollections about both Palmer and Hope, who died at age 100 in 2003, Palmer will return to Bay Hill and begin immersing himself in the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational. Much of the pre-tournament buzz centers on speculation if defending and five-time champion Tiger Woods will make his heralded return to Tour golf after following up his stirring 2008 U.S. Open victory with knee surgery.

“We’re sure hoping that it will be his time to make his return to professional golf,” Palmer says. “I hear he’s training very hard. I hope he’ll be ready to make his return to defend again at Bay Hill. The tournament date’s moved to the end of March and that should help our field, always a strong one, be stronger still. Also, being later in the spring will improve weather and course conditions. We’re very excited at Bay Hill.”

But first things first: Palmer will be spending time treading much-loved and familiar ground. It’s a place studded with so many Palmer courses, memories and events (and don’t forget Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, www.arnoldpalmers.net, in La Quinta!) that reporters filing stories from the  desert can be excused if the datelines refer to PALMER SPRINGS, Calif.

Because that’s what it’ll be all next week.

Posted by scurry at 02:13 PM

Picture Gets Clearer With GOLF CHANNEL -- Now in High Definition

January 07, 2009

Reprising his role when GOLF CHANNEL originally launched in 1995, co-founder Arnold Palmer officially launches the network’s new HD channel to help kick off its coverage of the 2009 PGA TOUR season. (Photo credit GOLF CHANNEL/Mark Ashman)

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2009) –  GOLF CHANNEL’s exclusive coverage of the first three PGA TOUR events of 2009 in high definition is merely a tip of the cap to the network’s newly launched HD channel, which will bolster the network’s schedule with more than 2,100 total HD hours of tournaments, original programming and news this year.

The tournament season kicks off Thursday with the exclusive telecast of the Mercedes-Benz Championship from the picturesque Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii, which will air for the first time in high definition.  GOLF CHANNEL will then stay in the islands for the PGA TOUR’s Sony Open in Hawaii, the Champions Tour’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai and the LPGA Tour’s SBS Open at Turtle Bay, all shown in HD for the first time.

GOLF CHANNEL HD and its standard definition channel will simulcast more than 100 tournaments in 2009 featuring many of the world’s best players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Lorena Ochoa.  These players, among other stars, will appear in GOLF CHANNEL’s HD coverage of full-round PGA TOUR events plus all early round and weekend lead-in action from spectacular venues, such as the TPC at Sawgrass and Pebble Beach Golf Links.  HD coverage also will include some of the biggest events in golf like the McDonald’s LPGA Championship, as well as The Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup – two continental clashes that have become major events on the golf landscape.  And viewers will travel around the world with a generous slate of European PGA Tour events in HD.

"Golf benefits from HD more than almost any sport.  For the first time, GOLF CHANNEL HD viewers will be able to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of Hawaiian courses like at Kapalua and Turtle Bay or at Scotland's Loch Lomond,” said GOLF CHANNEL President Page Thompson. “With the incredible picture quality and wider screens, HD viewers will be able to immerse themselves more fully in the strategy of the game, now seeing the full scope of the rolling terrain and the subtle contours of the greens that are so difficult to perceive in standard definition."

Bolstering GOLF CHANNEL tournament coverage this year will be technical features designed to enhance the HD viewing experience, including the Emmy Award-winning Mutual of Omaha Putting Line powered by AimPoint graphics technology, which shows viewers where a golfer must start his putt in order to hole it at the optimum speed and the path the ball must follow.

Complementing live golf action, GOLF CHANNEL also will feature more than 125 original hours of news in HD.  Live From will generate news coverage from golf’s major championships, including the Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship, as well as marquee events like THE PLAYERS Championship, The Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup.  

Original Programming Produced in HD

Rounding out GOLF CHANNEL’s HD portfolio will be a host of original programming.  New series like the unpredictable Hank Haney’s Project Barkley (working title) or the thought-provoking Golf in America will be produced in HD.  In addition, Big Break Prince Edward Island will be the first Big Break to air in HD, along with specials such as Uneven Fairways and Nicklaus Around the World.

GOLF CHANNEL’s dedicated HD channel reaches nearly 16 million homes across the United States.  Research has shown that viewers that have HD are twice as likely to watch GOLF CHANNEL and other live sports on TV, especially the PGA TOUR.

The dedicated HD channel is yet another milestone for GOLF CHANNEL. Since launching in 1995, the network has set the gold standard for other niche cable start-ups and is now available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies.

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For more information contact, GOLF CHANNEL Public Relations, 407/355-4653

Posted by scurry at 09:06 AM

GolfDigest Q&A with Arnold Palmer

December 15, 2008

Read the full web-extra interview by Matt Ginella at http://www.golfdigest.com/courses/2009/01/arnoldpalmer

Posted by scurry at 05:21 PM

Palmer, Grandson Sam Saunders Impress in Father/Son Event

December 10, 2008

Arnold Palmer and his grandson, Sam Saunders, teamed up again in the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge tournament and for the second year in a row put on an impressive performance.

Palmer and Saunders, a junior on Clemson University golf team, followed up a tie-for-sixth finish in 2007 with a tie-for-seventh this December at ChampionsGate Golf Resort near Orlando, Florida. They posted two rounds of 64 in the 36-hole scramble event won by Larry Nelson and his son, Drew, with a score of 123.

Eighteen fathers who have won major championships on the PGA Tour team up with sons or daughters in the unique tournament televised by NBC that showcases the greatest players in the modern era of the game. Palmer was extended a special invitation several years ago to play with his oldest grandson in the event.

The Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation in Orlando is among the beneficiaries of the tournament proceeds.

Posted by scurry at 04:39 PM

NEWPORT DUNES OPENS TO GREAT REVIEWS

New Arnold Palmer Design golf course in Port Aransas, Texas Newport Dunes Golf Club in Port Aransas, Texas, just opened this autumn, but the Arnold Palmer-designed course is already being recognized as one of the few true links courses in the United States. It has no trees and lots of wind and roll, making it a must-play destination for links course lovers.

“I always wanted to design a golf course in the traditional style, and I am excited to have had the opportunity with Newport Dunes. It is a hidden gem that will draw the attention of golfers throughout the region and across the country,” Palmer said of the latest work by his Arnold Palmer Design Company, with headquarters at Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

APDC was founded in 1972 and has been responsible for the design of approximately 300 golf courses around the world. Newport Dunes is located on historic Mustang Island in the vintage town of Port Aransas, a location along the Gulf of Mexico noted – in addition to golf -- for its deep-sea fishing, bird watching, beach, ocean and leisure activities.

The par-71 golf course stretches to 6,985 yards from the championship tees and plays through the sand dunes of the Texas coast. It will be sure to challenge any golfer with a warm gulf breeze, fast and rolling greens, and deep stacked and walled bunkers.

“The signature holes are Nos. 13, 14, and 15,” Palmer said. “These holes are located along the Gulf of Mexico and are routed through natural sand dunes. Each of the holes offers spectacular views of the beach and the ocean. The course is designed in the true links style with pot bunkers that are very similar to the classic courses such as St. Andrews.

Posted by scurry at 09:08 AM

Palmer Attends 20th Anniversary Merrill Lynch Shootout Dinner with First Foursome

December 09, 2008

Arnold Palmer joins Raymond Floyd, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman (referred to as the "First Foursome") December 11, 2008 to host the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Merrill Lynch Shootout at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida.

The 24-player PGA Tour sanctioned Shootout that began in 1989 was inspired by the original Shark Shootout that was contested in Grand Cypress in 1986. That single day, 18-hole match benefiting the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital served as the inspiration for the current event.

The tournament and interview with the First Foursome will be covered by broadcast partners NBC and Golf Channel.

Posted by scurry at 12:54 PM

PALMER COURSE SELECTED BEST IN CHINA

October 31, 2008

A golf course designed by Arnold Palmer Design Company – Beijing Cascades – has been selected as the "Best New Course in China 2007-2008" by Golf Magazine China.

"It’s very nice to be recognized as doing the best work in China right now. We intend to maintain that reputation with our work there in the future," said Arnold Palmer about the No. 1 designation.

The design of the 18 holes at Beijing Cascades Country Golf Club began in May 2005 and the 7,272-yard, par-72 golf course opened in 2007. The location is in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, on Dongwei Road.

Arnold Palmer Design reached the Chinese capital three decades after Palmer reintroduced golf to that country. Palmer's Chung Shan Hot Spring design in southern China in the 1980s was the first new golf course in the country in more than half a century and touched off China’s still-on-going golf boom.

A private golf club for members only, Beijing Cascades features deluxe villas designed by DFS Architects of Canada and a top-notch clubhouse which includes a swimming pool, restaurant, cafeteria, pro shop, business center, meeting rooms and guest rooms.

Beijing Cascades takes its name from the breathtaking scenes of cascading water to be found on the property. Clear lakes, winding bridges and manicured gardens may also be seen.

An additional nine holes at Beijing Cascades have been designed and are currently under construction. The new holes should be open next year, and Palmer promises they will be "just as stunning as the first 18."

Work is also underway on a new Arnold Palmer Design course in Kunming, China, and should be completed next year.

Posted by scurry at 05:45 PM

Palmer Honored at United States Navy Memorial's 2008 "Lone Sailor" Awards Dinner

October 01, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. [October 1, 2008] – Sports legend and Coast Guard veteran Arnold Palmer was honored last night for his service to country and community at the United States Navy Memorial’s 2008 “Lone Sailor” Awards Dinner. Joining Mr. Palmer were honorees A. G. Lafley, Chairman and CEO of Procter and Gamble and former Navy Supply Corps Officer; and Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA), currently serving his 16th term of office and member of the Appropriations and Homeland Security Committee. John McConnell, recently deceased founder of Worthington Industries, was also recognized posthumously. The black tie gala was held at The National Building Museum, 401 F. Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Palmer was honored with the Lone Sailor Award, given to Sea Service veterans who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. He joins an impressive list of men and women who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful.

For further information on the U.S. Navy Memorial and the Lone Sailor Awards Dinner, visit www.navymemorial.org, or call (202) 737-2300.

(l-r) Former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, presenter at the 2008 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner, with sports legend and Coast Guard veteran Arnold Palmer and Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial, at the September 30 gala benefit in Washington, DC.

Posted by scurry at 02:30 AM

Team USA Takes the 2008 Ryder Cup

September 22, 2008

"Congratulations to team USA on it's inspiring victory at Valhalla." said Arnold Palmer. The final tally read: U.S. 16 ½, Europe 11 ½. It was the largest margin of victory for the U.S. since an 18 ½ - 9 ½ thumping of the Europeans at Walton Heath Golf Club in 1981.

Posted by scurry at 04:23 PM

Arnold Palmer's Guide to the Ryder Cup 2008

September 19, 2008

Rarely has a Ryder Cup been more eagerly awaited than the 37th version of this 81-year-old series which tees off in earnest on the morning of Friday 19 September.

Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, where two PGA Championships have been staged over the past dozen years, is the venue for this imminent biennial contest between the best male professional golfers from the United States and Europe.

Enjoy the Arnold Palmer foreward and interview from this years guide or visit the official Ryder Cup website.

Posted by scurry at 12:42 PM

THE KING ON THE CUP

Fresh off a design visit to White Oak Plantation in Tryon, North Carolina, where he relaxed with back-to-back major winner Padraig Harrington, Arnold Palmer was feeling expansive. With his dog Mulligan, as always, by his side, Palmer talked at length about the impending 2008 Ryder Cup with correspondent Chris Rodell. Palmer's Ryder Cup record of 22-8-2 in Ryder Cup play remains one of the top records ever in the vaunted competition.

Q: Tell us about the 1967 Ryder Cup at Houston's Champion's Club - you did a little low altitude reconnaissance over the Champion's Club?

Arnold Palmer: It was in my Jet Commander. I got a call and had to explain to the FAA what I did. I didn't really violate any aviation rules, but I was low enough that I scared some cattle. I had the whole British team on board with me at the time. They all threw up.

Q: The Euros have so much exuberant camaraderie and when the Americans try to duplicate it they come off looking stiff. What would you advise to get them to loosen up?

AP: The European team spends a lot of time traveling together on the European tour. They stay at the same hotels and they have a camaraderie that comes from the nature of the travel. It puts them together and consequently they all become buddies and friends. They know each other. The American guys are less inclined to travel together. They usually fly airplanes to the tournaments. They're not put in any atmosphere where they are together constantly, as the European team is. It keeps the Americans from ever getting really close. It's not something that's planned. It's just the nature of the beast.
It's tough. They can make an effort to get together and play together, and that would help their attitude as far as competitiveness is concerned.

Q: What is it about the Ryder Cup that causes some players like Colin Montgomerie to become so surprisingly dominant when they can't seem to close in the big ones during medal play? Would you pick him for your team?

AP: I know Colin, but I don't know him well enough to forecast his nature. He's certainly played will in the Ryder Cup and has played well in general for a lot of years. I'd sure pick him for the team. He's a player of great renown and has proven he has the ability to compete at the top level at the Ryder Cup.

Q: There has been some talk that the Ryder Cup might stretch to four days of competition and adopt the Presidents Cup format. Would you agree with this?

AP: If four days would be better, then that's fine. I suppose that would have to be determined by the officials and the networks. I think the galleries would support it.

Q: Paul Azinger was expected to set up Valhalla to suit a long-hitting American team. But with the likes of Justin Leonard and Ben Curtis among the eight automatic qualifiers, should he re-think that strategy?

AP: I think Justin and Ben are good enough players that they can handle any situation on any length golf course.

Q: What effect will the absence of Tiger Woods have on the Ryder Cup?

AP: It certainly is a downer, but on the other hand I could take a positive attitude and say the other players will spine up and show they have the ability to carry the flag without him.

Q: Do you believe Padraig Harrington's back-to-back majors will give the European team any significant boost?

AP: I don't think it's going to make a great deal of difference. Having won three majors in the last year is certainly a positive. I talked to him the other day and he's certainly a very nice young man. I give him all the due I can, but I don't think winning any major will have any influence at the Ryder Cup. I'd met him before, but didn't get to spend as much time with him as I did the past days. I got him to commit to playing Bay Hill and I'm very pleased about that. And it didn't take a bit of arm twisting. He was very, very willing to tell me he'd be at Bay Hill, and we'll be glad to have him.

Q: Padraig's an investor at White Oak. How's that course coming along?

AP: He's going to have a house there. It's an Irish property owned by the famous Irish rally car racer Austin McHale. It's in the North Carolina foothills with a lot of stones and streams. It's very attractive. They've done a very fine job. We're all very enthused with how White Oak's going to turn out.

Q: When he lost to Harrington at last year's Open, it took Sergio Garcia the best part of nine months to rediscover his form and confidence. How long will it take him to recover from this latest disappointment and will the Ryder Cup help in that respect?

AP: I think he'll do very well. I think Sergio's a great player. Some guys, it just takes a little longer. I was one of them. I was older when I started winning. I think Sergio has a great chance to be an outstanding player as time goes on. I think he needs to just slow down and really get to it, and I think that's going to happen.

Q: How big an advantage is it to have the Ryder played in your home country?

AP: Not much. I think most of the guys who play on either side have enough experience to understand the circumstances. They're veterans or they wouldn't be on the team. The crowds won't affect them.

Q: What will you be doing during the week of the Ryder Cup?

AP: I'll certainly watch it and I'll certainly be very interested in it. I've toned down my travel and am going to fewer events unless I've been asked participate in a charity event. I'm really becoming more of a homebody and not traveling so much. I've been enjoying watching the Olympics, too. I think those two American gals that won the gymnastics gold and silver are really attractive and are wonderful athletes. It's been fun to watch.

Q: What ingredients does a course need to be a Ryder course?

AP: Heritage and tradition are certainly important, but I don't think things like that matter much to the audiences. I don't think an older golf course with lots of heritage and tradition is going to make a difference when it comes to playing the matches.

Q: Are there any courses you are currently constructing that could be future Ryder Cup venues?

AP: I think all of them would be outstanding venues. Some would be less likely to host because of the venue or the surroundings wouldn't be appropriate, but we've built some great quality courses that would be outstanding for Ryder Cup purposes.

Q: Which was harder to arrange, persuading the PGA of America to stage the 1975 event at Laurel Valley, or helping your course at The K Club become the host venue in 2006?

AP: In each case, it required an effort that I was more than happy to make. I was very pleased to have the world see the Ryder Cup at the K Club and participate in it. And even though I wanted the Americans to win and they didn't, I think it was extremely successful. Same with Laurel Valley with the opposite outcome where I was pleased to be the captain and have it at my club, which is something that doesn't happen very often.

Q: Golf is, for the most part, an individual's sport. How does a Ryder captain build a team dynamic?

AP: Sometimes I think we talk too much publicly. I think we need to deal with the individuals on a more private basis. The hype for the Ryder Cup is very important and it's important for the press to get enough to do their big stories. But I also think it's important for the players to have a confidence among themselves. And, more importantly, they have to have the confidence, the knowledge and the feeling that they can win. If they go with the attitude that they're the underdogs and are not as good as the opposing team then they're in trouble and I think that's been the case as of late.

Q: You were the last playing captain of the U.S. team, are there any current players that you think could fulfill that dual duty, or is the modern captain's role just too large a job?

AP: I'd like to think there's still room for a playing captain. I think it adds a little intrigue to the matches. I'd like to see Paul Azinger play his way onto the team. I think that would be wonderful. And I think that would certainly be possible. Most of the recent captains have been in the twilight years of their PGA Tour careers, but I'd like to see it happen again someday with a younger captain.

Q: This year Azinger has four picks. Do you think that makes his job easier or more difficult?

AP: I think it gives him more of an opportunity to select guys that he knows are hot and are playing very well. I suppose I would consider that a plus.

Q: What's the off-course Ryder Cup experience like for the teams? Do you think it's changed from when you were playing, and if it has, then how?

AP: I enjoyed watching the guys and encouraging them. I wanted to be there to add some confidence to their mind set to help pull them together. That was important to me, to get all the guys in a frame of mind where they were really starting good and could keep that momentum going. I'm sure that still goes on.

Q: How was it possible that you won The Masters in 1958 (and several other tournaments) but weren't selected for the 1959 Ryder Cup team?

AP: I wasn't earning points because I wasn't a PGA member. I was still in my apprentice period and back then that lasted for five years. They changed all the rules right away after that, but it was too late for '59. Had that same system been in place in 1997, neither Tiger Woods nor Justin Leonard would have qualified to play at Valderama.

Q: What was you worst Ryder Cup moment?

AP: (ponders) I don't know that I'd ever had a worst moment at the Ryder Cup. Every team I played on won. I didn't like losing, but when I did lose matches to Peter Oosterhuis or Peter Allis, with whom I had some great matches, it was after I'd done my best. And sometimes that's going to happen.

Q: What was your greatest Ryder Cup moment?

AP: The first Ryder Cup I played on when they played 'God Save the Queen' and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' were certainly touching moments. I was very proud. Then there was the time in '67 on Hogan's team where Julius Boros and I were getting trounced in a four-ball against Hugh Boyle and George Will. I looked up and saw Jackie Burke. He said, 'Well, Palmer. Let me see you get out of this one.' I said, 'C'mon, Jackie, give me a break.' He says, 'I'll give you a break. I've heard about all your charges. If you win this match I'll hand make you a beautiful clock.' Well, that clock's sitting on the shelf in my workshop over there. That was special.

Q: Who was your toughest ever opponent in all the Ryder Cups in which you played, and why?

AP: I think they're all tough. Anyone who earns his way onto the Ryder Cup is good and capable of kicking anybody's rear at some point or another.

Q: If you could re-play one shot from your prestigious Ryder Cup history, which one would it be and why?

AP: No, I can't think of a single shot that had me saying, 'Gee, I'd love to have that one back.' That would really take some very deep thought and that kind of deep thought isn't there anymore (laughs).

Q: Who do you think will win at Valhalla, and why?

AP: I think it's a toss-up. It's going to be tough. I suppose if I had to give one team an edge, I'd give it to the European team. Both teams have some very fine players, but the Europeans have some players with the real hot hand and will be difficult to beat.

Posted by scurry at 07:37 AM

Arnold Palmer Forward to the 2008 Ryder Cup

September 18, 2008

Courtesy of Victory at Valhalla Arnold Palmer's Guide to the Ryder Cup 2008

THE RYDER CUP has been a marvelous event over more than eight decades, and it particularly pleases me that its prestige on both sides of the Atlantic continues to grow. It is now without question one of the most important occasions, not just in golf but the whole of sport.

Unfortunately, the U.S. team has been on the receiving end of some sound beatings during our past three encounters with Europe and all patriotic American golf fans, including myself, are keeping fingers crossed that fortunes will be reversed at Valhalla.

The absence of Tiger Woods, will be a blow to captain Paul Azinger––but the Ryder Cup is a team event and if his team-mates rally round, pull together and play the course they can emerge victorious. Each one of them is going to have to stand up and be counted.

Quite a few rookies will be turning out for the U.S. this time and I think that can only be a good thing. Some of them may be inexperienced, but playing without fear will be the key in the pressure-cooker arena of Valhalla.

It is quite clear we can expect another strong display from the Europeans. I have been particularly impressed by Padraig Harrington, but there have been some other standout performances this season from the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter. It's going to take quite and effort from our Americans if they are to regain Sam Ryder's iconic trophy.

Some of my fondest golfing memories are from the Ryder Cup, both as a player and as a captain, and it was therefore a matter of considerable pride that the 2006 matches were staged over the Palmer Course at The K Club near Dublin. Despite the weather––and they had plenty of it that week––the course held up well and delivered a memorable, if ultimately one-sided spectacle.

Enjoy this magazine. I hope it provides you with an insight into the event, its history and the players, and prove to be a useful companion to the three days of the Ryder Cup.

I hope that in terms of the quality of golf and the ethics of fair play that the 37th installment in this historic series lives up to the standards set by so many of its predecessors.

Whatever the result, my fervent wish is for the game of golf to be deemed the winner.

~ Arnold Palmer

Posted by scurry at 09:30 AM

EXCITEMENT IS THEME AS TICKET SALES START FOR 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

September 03, 2008

With its latest dates ever – two weeks before the Masters – expectations are high as ticket sales begin today for the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

The API will be played on the week of March 23-29, the same slot on the PGA Tour schedule occupied until two years ago by The Players Championship and last year by a World Golf Championship event. Those tournaments attracted large numbers of highly ranked players from the World Ranking, playing their way to Augusta.

The 2009 Masters will be on the week of April 6-12.

Tournament Director Scott Wellington said: “We have always had one of the best fields of players in the world, according to the World Ranking, including most of the highest-ranked players. But we believe next year we will have more depth of players who previously have not included us on their schedules.

“We also hope we will get several more higher-ranked players.”

This will be the 31st year of the PGA Tour event which started in 1979 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. The latest tournament dates previously were March 22-25, 1990, and the earliest dates were February 26-March 1, 1981.

The 2009 API ticket brochure features defending champion Tiger Woods and the theme line for the year: “The Signature of Excitement.” – a reminder of Woods and his fist-pumping finale in 2008, when he holed a rousing 24-foot putt on the final green to win by one stroke. Woods posted a pair of 66s on the weekend for a 270 total, 10 under par, and his fifth professional victory at Bay Hill.

“No one knows when Tiger will return, but with Tiger here the excitement would be over the top. Regardless, we believe we will have one of our best fields ever,” Wellington said. For tickets to the 2009 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 12:06 PM

Arnold Palmer to be Recognized for Service to Country & Community

August 14, 2008

Sports Legend and Coast Guard Veteran One of Four Sea Service Veterans and Supporters Fêted at 2008 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner September 30

WASHINGTON, D.C. [August 14, 2008]– Sports legend and Coast Guard veteran Arnold Palmer will be honored for his service to country and community at the United States Navy Memorial’s 2008 “Lone Sailor” Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September 30. Joining Mr. Palmer are honorees A. G. Lafley, Chairman and CEO of Procter and Gamble and former Navy Supply Corps Officer; and Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA), currently serving his 16th term of office and member of the Appropriations and Homeland Security Committee. John McConnell, recently deceased founder of Worthington Industries, will also be recognized posthumously. The black tie gala is set for The National Building Museum, 401 F. Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Palmer will be honored with the Lone Sailor Award, given to Sea Service veterans who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. He joins an impressive list of men and women who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful.

“Our honorees are living examples of how service to country changes lives and helps develop leaders – whether it be in the world of sports, politics, government, the private sector or the arts,” said Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial. “The common theme they all express is that their public service has made them who they are today and motivates them to continue to give back to our society.”

A budding golf career came to full life after Palmer completed his three-year hitch in the Coast Guard in early 1954. Later that same year, he won the U. S. Amateur Championship, turned professional, married and launched one of the greatest careers in the history of the game.

In the process, he became a very successful business executive, prominent advertising spokesman, skilled business jet pilot and prominent golf course designer and consultant. He has participated in countless philanthropic activities both locally and nationally during his lifetime, among them nearly 20 years of service as Honorary National Chairman of the March of Dimes and more recently supporting national programs dealing with prostate cancer prevention, treatment and research.

On the golf courses of the world, he amassed 92 professional victories, including the Masters Tournament four times, the 1960 U.S. Open championship and the British Open championship in 1961 and 1962. His exploits were recognized by the Associated Press as the “Athlete of the Decade” in the 1960s and with the Hickok Belt (professional athlete of the year) and Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the year in 1960.

“Certainly, my three years in the Coast Guard played in big part in what came along later in life for me,” said Palmer. “It helped prepare me to deal with the ups and downs that everyone faces as an adult in today’s world. I wouldn’t trade those three years in the service for anything.”

Conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (between 7th and 9th Streets), the United States Navy Memorial, known as “the Anchor of Penn Quarter,” honors the men and women of the United States Navy – past, present and future. The outdoor plaza features a “Granite Sea” map of the world, towering masts with signal flags, fountain pools and waterfalls and The Lone Sailor© statue. Adjacent to the outdoor plaza is the Naval Heritage Center, where visitors can find educational displays about the contributions of the men and women of the Sea Services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). Also housed in the Naval Heritage Center is The Navy Log, the National Registry of Sea Service, where members, veterans and their families can search for shipmates and register a permanent record of their service for free. Call (202) 737-2300 or visit www.navymemorial.org for more information.

Posted by scurry at 05:58 PM

Palmer Attends USGA Grand Opening

May 30, 2008

On June 3, 2008, Arnold Palmer will attend the USGA Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History grand re-opening ceremony.

Moving forward The Palmer Center will be the premier institution in the world for the study and education of golf history.

The Palmer Center will offer more than 7,500 square feet of public space, with more than 5,000 square feet of that space devoted to permanent exhibitions discussing key moments in USGA Championship history. A collection of the nation's most significant golf artifacts and documents also will be displayed here. Many of these artifacts will be on display to the public for the first time.

The museum's galleries will provide visitors with engaging displays enhanced by multi-media elements and interactive kiosks. Collectively, the exhibits will present a new history of golf in the United States, focusing on the relationship between the game and the major historical, political and cultural events of the nation.

The signature architectural feature of the Palmer Center, the Hall of Champions, will celebrate every USGA champion and championship, beginning in 1895 with the first U.S. Amateur. A rotunda, illuminated by a clerestory, will feature all 13 USGA trophies, while listing winners of every championship on bronze panels that encircle the hall. Several kiosks situated throughout the exhibition galleries will host a new USGA Championship database that will allow visitors to search every championship by player, site and year.

For more information on the USGA Museum visit www.usga.org.

Posted by scurry at 12:30 PM

Five guys, one question: What's your favorite Palmer story?

May 26, 2008

Frank Nobilo, Robert Trent Jones II, Chi Chi Rodriguez and others tell their favorite Palmer stories.

Five guys, one question: What’s your favorite Arnold Palmer story?

A U.S. Open always draws experts from diverse fields to what for one week is the absolute center of the golf universe.

That makes it a good time to ask a variety of golf industry people -- players, architects, golf journalists -- about the one story they like to tell about golfing icon Arnold Palmer above all others. Here are some of their answers:

• Frank Nobilo, former PGA player & current commentator The Golf Channel: “You could say that Arnold Palmer kept me from quitting golf. It was back in 1995 at the Masters and I was playing dreadfully. I’d shot an 81 the day before and had thought about withdrawing. I was really about my game. I told my coach I was planning on quitting and he said, ‘Man, you couldn’t if you wanted to. You’re scheduled to golf tomorrow with Arnold Palmer.’ What was I going to do? Let Arnold Palmer play Augusta as a one-ball? So I showed up the next day determined to do my best. He didn’t know me from Adam, but Arnold greeted me on the first tee with the warmest handshake and twinkle in his eye. Just that look let me knew he was out there to have fun and I was invited to be a part of it. And what a time it was. Neither one of us was going to nudge our way onto the leader board, but it was a lively round and I got to have my own mini-Masters with Arnold Palmer.”

• Bubba Watson, professional golfer: “My favorite Arnold Palmer story? That was the day I got to meet him and shake his hand. Yeah, he probably shook a couple hundred other hands that day, but I spent the next week showing people that hand that shook the hand of Arnold Palmer.”

• Chi Chi Rodriguez, World Golf Hall of Famer: “People on tour used to complain that Arnold Palmer got preferential treatment. I’d ask them, ‘Do you want preferential treatment, too? Then start treating everyone the way Arnold Palmer does.’ When I came on tour in 1960, he was the man who came up and offered his friendship. He treated me with great respect. He’s old school like that. He treats everyone with respect. And, man, I loved the way he played the game. Some guys went for the pin some of the time, but Arnold always went for the pin. Still does. Man, you could put the pin thousands of feet below sea level on the deck of the Titanic and Arnold would scramble to find a scuba suit and get diving. He’ll always go for it. That’s why I like Sean O’Hair this week. He plays like Palmer. Had O’Hair hit a 9 iron instead of a wedge into the 17th at TPC everybody would be talking about him as a favorite here at Oakmont. Keep your eye on him.”

• Cameron Morfit, senior writer, Golf Magazine: “My favorite Palmer moment may have came during the end of an interview I did with him a few years ago. He’d just gotten married and was a happy newlywed. I figured I’d ask him about if he used Viagra or not. I was a little reluctant to ask because I knew we’d get a lot of letters from people saying I was an impudent young jerk with no manners -- and I was afraid he might react that way, too! But I asked him and he came to life. He got a big smile on his face and said he didn’t need it. That he was still charging. I think the interview would have gone much bet