Saturday, September 16, 2017

IN REMEMBRANCE OF A GOLFER NAMED PALMER

By Dave Wells
(Dave Wells is a former resident of Scottsdale who is a prolific writer and golf enthusiast.  Dave recently wrote the following tribute for "The Peak" in Scottsdale to honor the late great golfer Arnold Palmer.  Dave is a former resident of Scottsdale now living in Tennessee where he plays golf as much as possible.  Thanks to Dave for permission to re-print this story and thanks to Les Conklin for his fine work publishing "The Peak." J. Mc.)
A reporter once asked actor Kirk Douglas, “Of the famous people you have known. who possessed the most personal magnetism?” The reporter then reeled off a list of celebrities that included John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and Frank Sinatra.
The reporter, obviously not a golf enthusiast, was taken aback when Douglas instantly responded, “Arnold Palmer.”
Many have said that Palmer brought the game of golf to the masses. His personal magnetism, charisma and respect for fans were a big part of that success. It’s truly impressive that Palmer, despite his celebrity and grueling schedule, patiently responded to every autograph request with a legible signature.

Memorable Quotes

Arnie Palmer died a year ago this month on September 25, 2016. He left behind a reputation as one of golf’s best players, many friends and numerous memorable quotes. On the anniversary of his passing, here are some of my favorite Arnie Palmer quotes.
“Golf is a way of testing ourselves while enjoying ourselves.”
“The more I practice the luckier I get.”
“As a friendly side bet, and if you make par without hitting the fairway, you’ve won yourself an Arnie.”
“I think the average intelligent person can learn to fly an airplane, but not necessarily become a competent putter.”
“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”
The quote of all Arnie quotes probably is from the very contentious preliminary meeting that was held at Palmer’s Bay Hill Club to discuss the idea of establishing a television channel devoted to golf. Different opinions were expressed and tempers flared. However, the room became quiet when Palmer spoke. He said, “Guys, if I had not hit the golf ball through the trees a few times in my life, none of us would be here today.” The participants settled down and focused on the challenge before them. The result was the founding of the Golf Channel in 1995.

“The 10 Commandments for Golf Etiquette”

Golf Digest once asked Palmer to list his “Ten Commandments” for golf course manners. Arnie’s list included, “Turn off your cell phone.” “Always look your best.” “Repair the ground you play on.” And, “Be a silent partner.”
What was Arnie’s first commandment? “Don’t be the slowest player.”
LEARNING ABOUT FRIENDSHIP 

Author with Arnie Palmer. Courtesy Dave Wells.
I played golf with Palmer at Bay Hill on a beautiful sunny day in February 1989. It was the first time that I met him. On that day, golf’s “King,” as he was respectfully known, taught me the meaning of the word friendship.
Playing the game well had a very high priority with me. But Arnie wanted to know more about me as a person than about my game. He mentioned that he had made many, many friends while playing golf.
He was a listener. He wanted to hear your thoughts and interests before he spoke about his golfing life and accomplishments. Then, as the round continued, he would provide tips and make some remarks – some humorous and some serious about friendship. Here are four examples.
“You want two strokes a side; all you get today is a friendship.”
“The best gift you will ever receive is a friendship.”
“A very important part of the game of golf is who you meet on the golf course.”
“Be competitive, but always have fun on the golf course.”

The 19th Hole


Palmer amd Special Friend, Mulligan. Courtesy Dave Wells.
He was and is “The King” in the golfing world. Arnold Palmer will not only be remembered as a great golfer, but also as a friend to many. In 2000, he received the first Annual Payne Stewart Award. The award was based on three qualities, character, charity, and sportsmanship.
Palmer, who taught so many, learned from his father, “Deacon Palmer.” The older Palmer put a set of sawed off golf clubs in his son’s hands at age four and the rest is history. In 1955, Arnold won the Canadian Open, his first PGA victory. And do you remember, Arnie winning the Phoenix Open Invitational three years in a row? He won the tournament at the Arizona Country Club in 1961, at the Phoenix Country Club in 1962, and again at the Arizona Country Club in 1963. Amazing!
The title of Arnie’s book, published the year of his death, says it all, “A Life Well Spent.”

Another Championship. Courtesy Dave Wells.

15 comments:

Jim McAllister said...

Great article, Jim. My Dad. AND Mom played a round with Art Wall, Jr. at Pocono Manor in the fifties. I "caddied" for da folks.

Ken Honeyman

Jim McAllister said...

Thanks, Ken.

Good to hear from you; it's been a while.

I remember Art Wall Jr. from those days. I miss those guys; no 300 yard drives then when they teed up their Spalding "Dot" or "Kro Flite." I can still see Julius Boros walking down the fairway flicking ashes off his Camel regular! Today they are in a workout trailer! LOL

Take care!

Jim McAllister said...

Kenneth Honeyman:

"Rite u r !!"

Jim McAllister said...

Allen Duffis
9:29 PM (21 hours ago)

Thanks Jim,

I will read the article.

Allen

Jim McAllister said...

Thank you, Allen.

Dave is a good writer and re really knows the history of the game besides being a great player.

I love the game and follow the pros but I'm not so good at playing. The driving range is about as far as I get. No score keeping there! LOL

Jim McAllister said...

Note to readers: I was mistaken when I said author Dave Wells lives in Texas. Dave is a proud resident of Tennessee. My error!

Jim McAllister said...

Jim, thank you for posting the article by Dave Wells. It certainly is a fitting tribute to Arnold Palmer. I didn't realize he had died a year ago. I usually order an Arnold Palmer rather than iced tea! I am glad that lemon/tea drink was named after him! Duv and I played a lot of golf when we were living in Tacoma, at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club - a beautiful spot. Duv has had at least 2 and probably 3 holes-in-one. I wasn't so lucky.

Joy

Jim McAllister said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jim McAllister said...

Thanks, Joy

I have known Dave since 2006 when I was a blogger and writer for the Arizona Republic. Unlike me, Dave is an excellent golfer.

I have never had a hole in one but have been within a few inches of one a couple of times. The odds of getting one are high so even one in a lifetime is pretty remarkable. Congrats to Duv on his success at getting TWO!

I miss guys like Arnie. He was a very classy guy. I felt bad for him when his wife Winnie died a few years ago. They were very close.

Jim McAllister said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

So many deletions, Jimmy!

Doubt I could handle golf anymore, Jimmy. Going to a concert is definitely too stressful. Theater isn't too bad. I feel so old sometimes.

Jen went back to work logging today. Pays good, but she comes home in pain. Dude, I have seen that tiny little woman, SN size, snap a cellphone in half with her hands! So I have to get supper going. Later.

Nice blog.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Yeah, I was asleep at the switch and duplicated a couple of entries. Oops!

Jen can snap a phone in half? Damn! Remind me not to get in a tussle with her. At my advance age i have to be care ful. There are a lot more people who can kick my ass these days compared to a few years ago.

Unknown said...

Yeah, Jen's all muscle. I've seen her carry a couch on her shoulder.

Jim McAllister said...

DAVE WELLS
5:52 AM (4 hours ago)

to me
Jim,

Arnold and I were standing on the back of the 18th green at Bay Hill Golf Club
in Orlando after we had both shot '36' on the back nine...

While the other two golfers in our foursome were putting out on # 18, Arnold
and I stood on the back of the green, and he asked me, "Dave , what do you do
for a living?"...

When I returned to Memphis and my office, I told my boss what Arnie had asked
me......and my boss's immediate response...."I would like to have been there to
hear your answer."

So golf and business go hand in hand....

Tee It Up And Make A Sale....Then Make A Sale And Tee it Up.


Grantland Rice Quote - "Eighteen Holes Of Golf Will Teach You More About
Your Foe Than Eighteen Years Of Dealing With Him
Across A Desk."

Jim McAllister said...

Dave,

Grantland Rice nailed it with that quote. Golf can bring out the best and/or the worst in many people.

I'm sure playing that round with Arnie was a highlight of your life in golf. That's a great photo of the two of you walking down the fairway.