Nine Holes With Arnold Palmer

Somewhere between his successful career and lovable charisma Arnold Palmer became an American legend. He has enjoyed the respect and admiration of several generations of golf fans for his passionate play, sportsmanship, and respect for his admirers.

Hole One:
On June 18, 1960 during the final round of the U.S. Open Arnold Palmer hit an outstanding shot that set him on his way to a stunning victory. The first hole at Cherry Hills used to be a 346-yard par-4 and Arnie drove it with his persimmons driver and two putted for birdie.

Hole Two:
Palmer won a total of 62 PGA Tour events and is fourth in all-time wins behind Sam Snead (82), Jack Nicklaus (73), and Ben Hogan (64). He has a total of 92 victories from amateur to pro.

Hole Three:
Arnie earned a total of $20,000 by finishing first at the 1964 Masters going 69, 68, 69, 70 for a total of 275. Craig Stadler was 50th at the 2005 Masters and earned $19,180 while Tiger Woods earned $1,260,000 for first place.

Hole Four:
Palmer won 29 times on the PGA Tour between 1960 and 1963, a remarkable accomplishment. That is an impressive 7.25 wins per year in a four year span.

Hole Five:
Palmer has always been a crowd favorite and he appreciates his fans. “Maybe now more than ever he needs that,” said his daughter, Amy Saunders. “That’s what keeps him going. That’s what keeps him inspired.” Jack Nicklaus once said, “Arnold probably loves the game of golf more than I do. He just enjoys being there. I wish I had his attitude.”

Hole Six:
Arnie won four Masters (1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964), one U.S. Open (1960), and two British Opens (1961 and 1962). He was unable to capture the PGA Championship, finishing second in the PGA three times.

Hole Seven:
Arnold has 18 holes in one including three in PGA Tour events, four on the Senior PGA Tour, and one in Japan.

Hole Eight:
Arnie has sworn off the majors as he continues to scale back his tournament schedule. “My tournaments are getting down to a very few,” said Palmer. “As far as trying to compete in major championships such as the Open and other tournaments, this is it. I’m through doing it. I’m not going to do it anymore.” He said this after shooting an 81 to miss the cut at this year’s U.S. Senior Open.

Hole Nine:
Palmer fell in love with the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida when he visited with Jack Nicklaus, Don Cherry and Dave Ragan for an exhibition round in 1965. Palmer shot a 66, seven strokes in front of Nicklaus. He acquired the club in 1976 and it has been his winter home ever since. It is also the home of the yearly Bay Hill Invitational.

Photo Credit: © Hear-It.