Legend, icon and hero are words not used lightly yet they seem to be used in abundance when Mr Palmer is being referenced. The stories the Pros have about him are all about his heart, generosity, humility and kindness. Peter Jacobsen, great player and wonderful impersonator, once said that every pro should donate a cut of their prize money to Arnold Palmer. The reason being that the purse that they are playing for would not be as large if he hadn’t been such an influence on the game.
History shows that he revived the Open Championship by just playing in it. At a time when Americans were not inclined to travel over for the tournament due to the courses being “different” and the playing conditions being somewhat inhospitable, not to mention the cost of coming over. All of these factors added up to the event being overlooked by the best players in the world. With his father’s words loud in his ear “If you’re going to be great, you’ve got to be great in the world”. Arnold Palmer thought differently and made the effort to play. In doing so he won the hearts of the British fans and showed his peers how to behave.
The care he put into his autograph sums up the man. He always took time to legibly write his name on whatever was handed to him. No rushing to the next appointment, not even rushing his signature. He was very careful to spend time with his fans because he wanted to. He knew he was nothing without them. He respected them and if they had spent their time and money to watch they should be afforded as much of his time as possible. He never forgot that and has passed this wisdom onto many professionals in many fields. The reason why Phil Michelson signs so many autographs is because Arnie advised him to do exactly that.
This week’s Ryder Cup will now be a more sombre affair. If the event is to be played in the ‘spirit’ of Arnold Palmer, it will be one of the most sportsmanlike contests ever witnessed.
You will see below a reaction from one of his close friends. It really does pay tribute to a man who is loved the world over. What is more poignant is that these are the words and emotions of Jack Nicklaus. For one of the most respected sportsman the world over to attach such words to his friend, shows why Arnold Palmer was simply known as the “King”. Not surprisingly he wasn’t comfortable with the title saying it was “too lofty of stature.”
Jack Nicklaus said “At this point I don’t know what happened, and I suppose it is not important what happened. What is important is that we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports. My friend—many people’s friend—just wore out. I know he was in Pittsburgh trying to find out how to make himself better. That’s what Arnold has always tried to do. He has always been a fighter and he never gave up on anything. He didn’t give up even now. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and spirit did not.
He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.
Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself. Along the way, he had millions of adoring fans—Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.
He was the king of our sport and always will be.”