Arnold Palmer: September 10, 1929 – September 25, 2016
By Dr. Tony Parker, World Golf Hall of Fame Historian
The world is saddened by the loss of golf’s greatest icon, World Golf Hall of Fame Member Arnold Palmer. Not only was he an outstanding golfer and a global ambassador for golf, but his fingerprints can be found in every facet of the game. To put it mildly, he was an incredible man and will be sorely missed.
When Arnie burst onto the golfing scene in 1954 with his win at the U.S. Amateur Championship, a star was born. His swashbuckling style and never-give-up attitude won the hearts of golf fans everywhere. His striking good looks and powerful swing brought the masses to the game. He was one of us. As the saying goes, “Every woman wants to be near him, and every man wants to be him.”
Palmer’s golfing career was impressive. He won 62 victories on the PGA TOUR including seven majors (four Masters, one U.S. Open and two Open Championships), and a total of 92 wins worldwide. He played on six winning Ryder Cup teams and was twice captain. He was the first man to win the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open championships. Incredibly, he would win at least one tournament in 17 consecutive seasons from 1955 to 1971.
However, it was more than his golf that made him “The King.” It was his ever-present smile, giving personality and the time he would take with fellow competitors and fans alike that made him an icon. A friend once told me that to sum up Arnold Palmer in one word it would be the word “giver.” He gave back to the game and he gave back to the fans. He would take his time to sign autographs, and as everyone knows, he would sign his name legibly and answer fan letters personally.
But his giving went much further than signing autographs and letters; he supported charities, built a hospital, and started the worldwide 24-hour Golf Channel. In recognition of his contributions to the culture of America and to the sport of golf, Palmer was the first golfer to receive the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2004. He was honored again with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.
Palmer’s impact on the game is immeasurable. He elevated the game to a level that brought television, crowds and greater sponsorship to golf as everyone wanted to watch Arnold. He is credited with reinvigorating the Open Championship in 1960 just by being there, making it a must-play tournament for golfers worldwide, especially to those in the United States. He was instrumental in the creation of the Champions Tour in 1980 and, as a testament to his global appeal, he was the first to design and build a golf course in China in 1984.
Since his Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the inaugural 1974 class, Palmer has been a great supporter, giving of his time and energies to the institution and attending many of the Induction Ceremonies. Most recently, along with Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez, he co-chaired the Selection Committee for the 2015 Induction Class into the World Golf Hall of Fame, attending the Induction Ceremony at the University of St Andrews in the Home of Golf.
Golf today is a much better game, and its global impact can be traced back to the efforts of Arnold Palmer. He will be greatly missed, but his life and legacy will continue to live on within the walls of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.
Thank you, Mr. Palmer.
