Legendary golfer leaves behind great legacy

Many iconic professional golfers such as Rickie Fowler, Lee Trevino, Bubba Watson and Nick Faldo paid respect to Arnold Palmer and his contributions to golf on October fourth.

Widely known for competing at the upmost level of golf at the time television came, Arnold Palmer was crowned as “The King”. This title quickly spread to all parts of America, and caused many young aspiring golfers looked up to him.

Palmer gladly adopted this name, and he did so for decades. His morals displayed this. Palmer always made eye to eye contact with his crowd members as a sign of respect. He did not let the fame of his career make him boastful or prideful. He just played the game.

Not only was he the best golfer of all time, in his short time playing he won 62 events on the PGA Tour, four green jackets at the Masters,  two British Open titles and one U.S. open championship. As if it were not enough, Palmer was formally inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Palmer’s love for the game and his social abilities manifested his popularity. This fame continued to when television was first invented as he grew the fan base for the sport.

For example, The Masters, one of the most televised and watched golf events to this day grew famously popular because the Big Three. This includes golfers Jack Nickalaus, Gary Player and of course Palmer. Without these three players, The Masters would not be as widely watched as it is today.

As of this past year, the Big Three would each hit a ceremonial shot as a remembrance of their time on Augusta National. This past year, Palmer was not able to hit the shot along with Nicklaus and Player. This is the first time since Palmer played in the Masters that he has not been capable.

Another incident at the Masters displayed Palmer’s humor, which was described by one of his good friend Charlie Mechem. Considering course management, Palmer was having a conversation over lunch with Mechem, specifically the 13th and 15th holes. Each one is a par-5 where a risk can be taken, and when the risk pays off, the rewards give a slight advantage.

Palmer asked Mechem, “Do you know how many times I’ve finished second at the Masters?”

Mecum said back to Palmer, “nope”.

While chuckling, Palmer finally said, “Neither do I”.

His time off the course was partially spent socializing with friends such as Mechem, but also flying his private jet. He piloted his aircraft for 55 years.

Palmer loved to order a quick drink after a round of golf. His order has always been the same, half lemonade and half iced tea. This drink has come to be known as “Arnold Palmer” that is manufactured by Arizona. The drink is so well-known, you do not have to go to a restaurant and ask for a half iced tea and half lemonade, you just ask for an Arnold Palmer.

His legacy and most memorable sayings are best remembered through his humor and his golf, “I have a tip that will take five strokes off anyone’s golf game. It’s called an eraser,” said Palmer.