By: Dave Cordero, Director of Communications
Earlier this year I began working at the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum. As a passionate golfer and wannabe historian of the game, I was enamored by the rich history that lives inside the walls of the Museum.
As one would expect, the Major Championship trophies and early interpretations of golf clubs are proudly displayed, and the stories about the game’s legends come to life through imagery and text panels. All very cool, but again, this was my expectation. Of course the World Golf Hall of Fame should check those boxes.
What I have come to appreciate during weekly strolls through the Museum are the rare pieces of history that make you look twice and then lean forward for a closer glance. As I refer to them, these are the “artifact oddities” that stand apart and live in the “that’s cool” department.
Recently I stumbled across one of these oddities: a set of five Arnold Palmer 50th Anniversary (1954-2004) commemorative coins.
Further research (and conversation with our curator Travis Puterbaugh) revealed the commemorative set was a project commissioned by Encore Bank of Houston, Texas to celebrate the 50-year PGA TOUR career of the King himself.
Each coin, plated with .999 fine silver, depicts moments from Palmer’s illustrious career:
- A Spectacular Round 65 Gave Palmer the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills
- Winning the 1954 U.S. Amateur Changed Palmer’s Career Forever
- The 2004 Masters Marked 50 Consecutive Appearances in Augusta
- During a 50-Year PGA Tour Career, Palmer Captured 92 Titles
- Arnold Palmer Bids Farewell from the Old Course at St Andrews
In a museum chock-full of golf history, I am not suggesting that guests rush through the front entrance, zoom past Gary Player’s Green Jacket, or bypass Ken Venturi’s one-of-a-kind U.S. Open Waterford Crystal to first see Arnie’s coin set.
Rather, this distinctive coin set is a reminder and a sampling of the countless unique artifacts and memorabilia that exist within the Hall.
On a week in which we celebrate Arnie’s 86th birthday, this is one artifact worth sharing.
