OT- RIP Arnold Palmer

[Scott Garner]

Not baseball, but RIP golf legend and HOF'er Arnold Palmer.

He lived a life that virtually all could never dream of, but he remained as down to earth as any celebrity that you ever would ever want to meet.

In 1994, through pure serendipity, my close friend Tom and I had the opportunity of a lifetime on the Big Island of Hawaii . A conversation with an incredibly nice woman that was working in the pro shop at the (not yet opened) Arnold Palmer designed Hapuna GC led to her offering to set up a meet with Mr. Palmer the following day. Our meet was to occur prior to him meeting with a throng of reporters during the ribbon cutting, grand opening ceremony for the course. The 10 minute conversation with Mr. Palmer was one of the most amazing, down to earth conversations that you could ever imagine. Within seconds of meeting Arnie it seemed like he was an old friend. What an amazing gift he had with everyman!

The same gal also offered to let us play in a foursome at no charge in the group right after Mr. Palmer following his press conference. Tom and I had the opportunity to watch Mr. Palmer play 18 holes of golf as well as play it ourselves before the public ever played it.
Ironically, Tom and I randomly had dinner later that night at a terrific restaurant called The Canoe House at the Mana Lani Resort. Our 2-top table ended up being right next to Mr. Palmer, his wife Winnie and 6 others in his group. Arnie spotted Tom & me and said: "Tom and Scott, are you stalking me?" We all laughed and Mr. Palmer introduced us to his wife and friends and asked if we would like to join them for dinner. Unbelieveable!

Greatest experience ever!

RIP Arnie! I am definitely a fan for life.

[bbcard1]

But I'm going to have an Arnold Palmer to drink for lunch just to remember that great old guy who live a good, good life. Feel free to join me wherever you are.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

But I'm going to have an Arnold Palmer to drink for lunch just to remember that great old guy who live a good, good life. Feel free to join me wherever you are.

Todd, great idea & my family and I will join you.

[Duluth Eskimo]

Great story. Palmer was the ultimate blue color hero and working mans champion. He was incredibly kind to everyone he came in contact with and made the crowds feel like they were a part of the game.

If you haven't ever seen the Arnold Palmer three part documentary, it's a good watch. For those that didn't know, Palmer throughout his entire life was a top 10 endorsement earner for almost his entire life. I believe he was still earning like 20-30 million a year. An incredible business man.

On top of that, he still would respond to autograph requests for everyone that sent items. Maybe not your specific item always got signed, but he always sent you a personalized signed photo. Occasionally the personalization was in the hand of his secretary, but think of the sheer volume. Absolutely incredible.

A true legend has passed.

[bgar3]

A great and wonderful man in so many ways. In college one of my jobs was to sit in his seat at the football games to make sure it would be available if he showed up. Later he was an almost annual guest at the racetrack where I worked. Always gracious, and a class person in the truest sense. Here is my only baseball related item.

[MK]

RIP Arnie.

[icollectDCsports]

What a great story, Scott. One of the all-time greats and one of the greatest people in the history of American sports. RIP

[mr2686]

Great story Scott. Arnie was by far my favorite golfer. I only wish I had the opportunity to meet him in person.

[Duluth Eskimo]

Originally Posted by MK

RIP Arnie.

Great pins.

[baseball tourist]

Class act.

Here's my in person auto from the 2003 Senior Skins in Maui.