He has arthritis, survived cancer, lost his wife of more than four decades to cancer but still is known as The King. Arnold Palmer may be on the second nine of life and his golf game may not be up to the high standards to which he formerly played, he is though beloved by virtually every fan.
Arnie still plays or practices almost every day whether at his Bay Hill club in suburban Orlando or the course in Latrobe where he grew up and is now the owner.
To give an idea of his magnetism, charisma or whatever you want to call it; a few years ago some visitors from California were driving past the eighteenth tee at Bay Hill when Palmer’s foursome was hitting their tee shots. The Californians couldn’t believe their eyes (“My God, there’s Arnold Palmer”), quickly came to a stop and stuck a camera out the window.
The King noticed them, hit his tee ball and then walked to the edge of the tee box near the street waving so they would have a good picture and a great memory. There aren’t a lot of touring professionals who would do that, much less be grinning and obviously having a good time.
At 81, Arnie could be said to be nine over par but he’s a no-bogey 59 in the fans’ hearts.
About Ed Travis
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