The day I met Arnold Palmer

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By Gary C

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  • 12 Replies
  1. Gary C

    Gary C
    Burlington, NC

    With it being the week of the Arnold Palmer Invitational,I thought I would share my story. With my wife being from Pittsburgh,I realized Latrobe CC was just about 30 minutes away. Last August my wife and I did a Stay and Play at Latrobe CC, but also included was a prearranged visit with Mr. Palmer. I have become very good friends with Jack Lewis who also lives in Burlington,NC. Jack got the first Arnold Palmer Scholarship at Wake Forest and he has shared stories with me that the public doesn't even know about. Mr Palmer and Jack would fly all over the Country doing exhibitions for different courses. Well Jack,helped arrange this visit and all I can say was,I was speechless when I shook his hand. All I could say was "Thank You" and it's an honor and a blessing to be here. I got to spend about 30 minutes with "The King",he signed a few autographs,several of which were donated to the Wake Forest Golf Program. It was one of the Best Days of My Life. See the pictures below of his workshop and office. The one picture is His Father Deacon carved out of a tree.

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  2. Speedy

    Speedy
    East Coast, NH

    That is awesome! Thanks for sharing Gary.... Gotta ask, is it true how big his hands are?
  3. Gary C

    Gary C
    Burlington, NC

    They were big and thick,like he worked hard all of his life.
  4. Joshua B

    Joshua B
    Connecticut

    Wow, Thanks for sharing...This was a great read and really enjoyed the pics too. Mr. Palmer was a class act...The fact that he acknowledged everyone he could with eye contact and signed legibly speaks to how intentional he lived his life. Cool to hear stories solidifying his legacy as a gentleman.
  5. Gary L

    Gary L

    I too had the opportunity to get Mr.Palmers autograph back in the early 1980s at the LA open at rancho park golf. He looked at me and smiled.he was pleasant. .I can still remember that moment.and yes,his hands were large.
  6. Gary L

    Gary L

    Another little story I have is about a high school golf teammate.his hero was Mr. Palmer. He emulated Arnie to a tee,from his clothes,including the button up sweater,his swing with that flailing finish. He also went to the Arnold Palmer golf academy ,I think in Vail,Colorado. Truly his idol,and now I know why.
  7. Gary L

    Gary L

    I too had the opportunity to get Mr.Palmers autograph back in the early 1980s at the LA open at rancho park golf. He looked at me and smiled.he was pleasant. .I can still remember that moment.and yes,his hands were large.
  8. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
    What an amazing Experience!!!

    Cheers,
    Dr. K
  9. Tyler H

    Tyler H
    Appleton, WI

    What a great experience, Gary.
  10. Scott D

    Scott D
    Lethbridge,

    What a wonderful experience and thank you for sharing.
  11. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    Really great stuff, thanks for sharing. That's a memory of a lifetime.
  12. etakmit

    etakmit
    Rochester, NY

    Super cool Gary. Thanks for sharing with us!
  13. Cole W

    Cole W
    Winter Garden, FL

    I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Palmer four years ago at The Greenbrier during a tennis exhibition. I'm not usually one for intruding on celebrities, especially when they are enjoying a meal, but I could not pass up this opportunity. Mr. Palmer was very gracious and it is a memory that I will cherish.

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