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The Golf Channel: Arnold Palmer introduces renovated Bay Hill

September 30, 2009

By ERIK PETERSON Travel Editor, GolfChannel.com
Posted: September 30, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Bay Hill Club & Lodge was a thrilling novel, then Tiger Woods' 15-footer to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March was a fitting end to Volume 1. And just days after closing the book, Arnold Palmer put pen back to paper, leading a renovation of one of golf's most revered venues.

Volume 2 was officially released Tuesday, as Arnold Palmer reintroduced his pride and joy, less than five months after its wall-to-wall renovation began. While the routing remains the same, significant work was done around each of the greens, which allows for more creative short game shots, and more hole locations. The bunkers were also reworked to make them more visually intimidating.

"The opinion is that we make courses harder and harder," Palmer said of renovating Bay Hill. "Our purpose has changed a little bit. We decided to rethink that."

PGA Tour players will be glad to hear that Nos. 4 and 16 were made into true par 5s, and that some of the rough around the greens has been replaced by run-off areas, but does that mean Bay Hill is easier? Arnold Palmer Design Company architect Thad Layton thinks it depends on who's playing the course.

"For the amateur player, it will be easier because the forward tees are shorter and the new runoffs will allow them to putt the ball from off the green," Layton said. "But I think the pros will have a more difficult time deciding what shot to hit from the closely mown collection areas around the greens."

The collection areas appear on holes 1-6 and 10-16.

Another significant change that players will have to negotiate is a flattening of the putting surfaces, which gives the PGA Tour flexibility in setting hole locations for the tournament.

The PGA Tour has what it calls the 2 percent rule, meaning it won't cut holes in places where there is more than a 2 percent slope to the green. By flattening the putting surfaces, hole locations can go where no hole location has gone before.

While it's debatable that flatter greens make a golf course tougher, this characteristic fulfills one of Palmer's initial requests for the renovation to "get the greens closer to the water hazards." Palmer wanted pins tucked closer to the edges, bringing the jagged-rock waterlines - a Bay Hill signature - more into play.

Greens were also reseeded with Emerald Bermudagrass, a new seed from Houston that has never been used on a Palmer-designed golf course. The hope is that the surface is less grainy than the previous Tif-Eagle grass, but Palmer admitted it will take about a year before they really find out how much grain they have.

Before players even get to the greens, however, they'll have to avoid reshaped and repositioned bunkers that are much more visible on tee shots and approach shots than before. Perhaps the best example of this theory at work is No. 4, which was converted into a true par 5 without lengthening the hole (it had been played as a par 4 during the Invitational).

The fairway bunkers at No. 4 were moved out into the 270-300-yard range, and a new bunker was added left of the fairway 100 yards from the green to guard the lay-up area. The green was elevated and made smaller, while roll-off areas were created front right and back left.

The other hole that was made into a true par 5 without being lengthened is No. 16, which also played as a daunting par 4 for the pros.

While a better viewing corridor from the tee down to the landing area has been created, fairway bunkers have been adjusted and brought closer to the fairway. An accurate tee shot will give players a chance to go for the green in two, but getting your ball in position is easier said than done.

Up at the green bunkers were reshaped and the beach-style bunker left of the green was replaced by a collection area. With the green smoothed out, more pin locations can be cut near the treacherous water hazard, which Palmer expects will make for interesting risk-reward scenarios coming down the stretch on Sunday.

"It'll be an exciting hole to watch," Palmer said of No. 16. He grinned and added that, "I'll certainly be there lurking."

At No. 18 a new tee was created to give players a better angle for their tee shot, though Palmer believes the longer hitters will still hit 3-wood. As for the 25-foot putt Tiger made at No. 18 on Sunday to win in 2008? Palmer said the green is flatter so it doesn't break as much as it used to.

Whether you're an amateur or a professional, Bay Hill is an enjoyable golf experience that lets you hit a variety of shots. And with Arnold Palmer as the author, you know Version 2 will be even better than the original.

Posted: September 30, 2009 05:15 PM

PALMER RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today at 1:30pm, Arnold Palmer will stop at the White House where President Barack Obama will sign into law The Congressional Gold Medal honoring the golf legend.

Photo Credit: White House/Samantha Appleton
President Barack Obama signs the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. Looking on from left are: Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, Arnold Palmer, Mrs. Kathleen Palmer, Rep. John Tanner of Tennessee, Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado, Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and Rep. Joe Baca of California (at front). Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton.

The award will make Palmer the first sports person in history to receive all 3 of the United States highest civilian honors including the National Sports Award from former President Bill Clinton in 1993 (a one-time award) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President George W. Bush in 2004.

"I don't know that I've done anything to deserve it, but I accept," Mr. Palmer said yesterday from his office at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla. "That's pretty fantastic."

The Congressional Gold Medal was first given to George Washington in 1776 and to 141 exemplary Americans since. "I didn't know George Washington," Palmer said with a grin. "But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, 'You're the first, and I won't be the last.'"

Palmer will become the fifth athlete to receive the honor from Congress, which is considered the highest expression of national appreciation for achievements and contributions. Byron Nelson is the only other golfer to receive the medal, which was given posthumously in 2006.

The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-California) and first passed the House of Representatives in April and was unanimously passed by the Senate on Palmer's 80th birthday on September 10th. U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., who lives in Orlando, sponsored the Senate bill nominating Mr. Palmer for the medal. Such bills must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the House and 67 in the Senate before even being considered in the respective chambers.

"Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers," said Rep. Baca. "Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others."

Arnold Palmer's charismatic personality, swashbuckling style of golf and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. Palmer and his late wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention and women's and children's health. He has founded the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located, which celebrated it's 20th anniversary on its namesakes' birthday this year.

Adding to the historical significance, one year later to this day, Coast Guardsman vet Palmer received the prestigious Lone Sailor Award in Washington by the U.S. Navy Memorial to Sea Service veterans "who have excelled with distinction at their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment." Palmer told the crowd, "Those three words are what life is all about as far as I'm concerned."

"It's pretty good stuff," Palmer said. "Quite overwhelming."

Posted: September 30, 2009 12:31 PM

ARNOLD PALMER AND ARNOLD PALMER ENTERPRISES RENEW JACOBSEN CONTRACT THROUGH 2014

September 25, 2009

Properties remain exclusively maintained with Jacobsen turf equipment

Charlotte, N.C. (Sept. 25, 2009) — Golf legend Arnold Palmer and Arnold Palmer Enterprises have renewed their exclusive turf maintenance agreement with Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) Company, through 2014.

The agreement covers the renowned Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the Arnold Palmer Design Company (APDC) properties in Orlando, Fl., along with the Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pa. As a result of the renewed agreement, Jacobsen will be offering competitive terms on all products supplied to APDC clients, ensuring that their courses are maintained to the peak of perfection.

“I am very proud of my long-standing association with the Textron family of companies — Jacobsen, E-Z-GO and Cessna,” Palmer said. “I have enjoyed working with the various companies for many years and remain a Textron fan because of the unmatched innovation and quality of its equipment as well as top-notch service. All of those qualities are extremely important to me when I purchase equipment or make recommendations to my golf course design clients and no one does it better.”

The 18 holes of the combined Challenger and Champion courses at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge play 7,205 yards with a par of 72. The course has a rating is 75.1, a slope rating of 139, and features beautifully maintained Bermuda grass. Designed by Dick Wilson and Arnold Palmer, the Challenger-Champion golf course opened in 1963, and is showcased each spring during the Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the most popular stops for the PGA TOUR®.

The 6,407 yard, par 72 Latrobe course at the Latrobe Country Club was designed by Emil Loeffler, John McGlynn and James G. Harrison, opening in 1922. It is located 40 miles east of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the scenic Laurel Highlands. The course rating is 72.4 with a slope rating of 138. Palmer’s father worked at the club during the construction phase and became the course superintendent in 1926 and the club professional in 1931. Today, the club is managed by Palmer’s younger brother, Jerry.

E-Z-GO, also a Textron Inc. Company, has an exclusivity agreement with Arnold Palmer Enterprises as well and supplies each of these facilities with golf cars. Palmer’s preference for Textron manufacturing goes beyond his love of the game of golf. He also flies high in the sky with his Cessna Citation X, which he still pilots at the age of 80.

About Jacobsen
Jacobsen manufactures an extensive range of turf maintenance equipment and utility vehicles to meet the needs of today’s grounds care professionals. Jacobsen provides dedicated support and service training and conducts thorough testing for quality and reliability. The company markets Jacobsen products in the U.S. and internationally through an extensive distribution network and the Ransomes brand through independent distribution in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Oceania and South America. Jacobsen, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Textron company. Additional information about the company, its products and commitment to customer support is available at www.Jacobsen.com.

About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Posted: September 25, 2009 04:13 PM

A Really Green Golf Course

Stonewall Resort honored for environmentally friendly practices
The Charleston Gazette - September 24, 2009 - By John McCoy, Staff writer

ROANOKE, W.Va. - Everyone expects golf courses to be green. Some, however, are "greener" than others. The Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Lewis County's Stonewall Resort is one of the greener courses you'll find.

"The Palmer Course at Stonewall Resort has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program," said Jim Sluiter, an Audubon staff ecologist. "The folks there are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf-course property."

Read the full article

Posted: September 25, 2009 03:43 PM

Golf Course Architect Talks Lonnie Poole, Shares Tips

September 24, 2009

By Chris Richter

It isn’t often that a golf course architect gets to design a course for his or her alma mater. But that’s what happened with the Lonnie Poole Golf Course, NC State’s new course on Centennial Campus. It was a “dream come true,” says Brandon Johnson ’97. He worked on it with fellow alumnus Erik Larsen ’77, who’s executive vice president and senior golf course architect at Arnold Palmer Design. We spoke with Johnson, an architect for the company, about the course.

Read the full story

Posted: September 24, 2009 11:44 AM

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando: Fit for a king

September 23, 2009

Courtesy of GolfChannel.com
By WorldGolf.com
Posted: September 22, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer will forever be intimately linked to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

And that, perhaps, is the best indicator of how special this private southwest Orlando golf course really is. Marketing executives couldn't dream up a better pair of icons to be associated with their course.

Palmer has long served as the face of Bay Hill, bringing his Arnold Palmer Invitational to Florida every year since 1979. The course's daily afternoon shootout, sometimes with Palmer in the game, has become the stuff of legend. Woods is linked to Bay Hill for one reason: how thoroughly he has dominated the Invitational, winning a record six times, including a PGA Tour-record-tying four times in a row from 2000 to 2003.

Bay Hill General Manager Ray Easler calls the Woods-Palmer connection to Bay Hill "an incredible marriage."

Bay Hill is one of the toughest courses on Tour, one of the reasons why Tiger Woods has won a record six times here. "It seems to be fate that the two are tied together," Easler said. "Tiger only lives a mile and a half away. He plays with us every year. You have the new legend coming about next to the living legend."

Past champions of the Invitational reads like a hall-of-fame banquet: Ernie Els (1998), Phil Mickelson (1997), Ben Crenshaw (1993), Fred Couples (1992), Tom Kite (1989), Payne Stewart (1987) and Fuzzy Zoeller (1985), to name a few.

Only Doral Golf Resort and Spa's Blue Monster has hosted a pro tournament longer than Bay Hill. The 7,157-yard course continues to stand up to the world's best players and put on a show while doing so. The 31st annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard had a new slot on the PGA Tour calendar this past March, just two weeks before the Masters. And for the second consecutive year, Woods won with a dramatic birdie putt on the 72nd and final hole.

"I like the new dates, and it could make our field stronger, although we've always enjoyed having great fields," Palmer, winner of 62 PGA Tour titles, including seven majors, told PGATour.com.

Nothing's easy at Bay Hill

To keep up with today's long bombers, Bay Hill, designed by the venerable Dick Wilson in 1961, converted in 2007 to a par-70 layout for the tournament with two member par 5s playing as par 4s.

Playing the 27 holes of Bay Hill without a tour card requires an invitation from a member or a stay in its 64-room lodge. The added expense of spending the night is well worth the chance to tee it up at a place so steeped in history. Tennis courts, a health club, a luxury spa and the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy make Bay Hill feel more like a resort getaway than just a private club.

The layout itself has a few pedestrian Florida holes, where the typical bunkers and water hazards await. But they are offset by several stunners that confound even the world's best.

The 558-yard sixth hole bends boomerang-style around a massive pond. John Daly hit six consecutive tee shots into the water for an 18 in 1998. It was a "Tin Cup" moment in real life, showcasing how tempting it is to cut off too much of the corner.

The property has just enough humps and ridges to create several semi-blind tee shots, notably the par-5 12th and par-4 15th. Playing the proper angle off the tee on many holes could be the difference of at least two strokes.

The golf course's finish garners more than its share of the TV coverage for the simple reason that people love carnage. A train wreck is possible on any of the final three holes. The 517-yard, par-5 16th now plays as a nasty par 4, forcing players to carry the water hazard in front on their second shot or risk being called a wimp in the locker room. The skinny green on the 219-yard 17th is hard to hit and hold.

And we've all witnessed the destructive charms of the 18th hole. Years ago, Palmer himself transformed a weak par 5 into a stout par 4 of 441 yards with a hook-shaped green tucked behind the rock-lined "Devil's Bathtub," a pond that has rinsed the likes of Vijay Singh and others.

Who can forget Woods' rousing birdie putt, and subsequent fist-pump, on the green to capture the 2008 tournament? Not to be outdone, Robert Gamez holed a 7-iron from 176 yards for an eagle to beat Greg Norman by one in 1990. A plaque in the fairway still marks the accomplishment.

It's a fitting finish to a course fit for a King - Arnold Palmer himself.

Bay Hill Club & Lodge: The verdict

Easler considers Bay Hill a classic golf course that the pros love to play before The Masters.

"It really hasn't changed an enormous amount the last 40 years," he said. "A lot of the newer courses are designed for longer hitters. Bay Hill is suited to shotmakers. That is Mr. Palmer's style. Also, the way we set it up is along the lines of Augusta. We are the tuneup for Augusta. We have long rough and fast greens."

Playing where the pros play is no marketing sham. It's a thrill to tee it up at PGA Tour stops, especially dynamic layouts like Bay Hill. The course features arguably the second-best three-hole finish in Florida (behind the TPC of Sawgrass Stadium course). The chance to run into "Mr. Palmer" and shake his hand just adds to the allure.

Posted: September 23, 2009 02:48 PM

PALMER DESIGNED COURSES DOT GOLF DIGEST'S TOP 75 GOLF RESORTS 2009

September 22, 2009

Golf Digest magazine's biannual feature, "The 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America," published in the October 2009 issue, cites eight Arnold Palmer designed resorts amongst the prestigious list.

In the number one spot sits Pebble Beach, which has been at the top of the last three of four rankings in what is considered by many as one of the most definitive rankings in golf. Ratings are based on Golf Digest's 900 plus course ranking panelists who score the resorts and courses.

Arnold Palmer and his design company recently gave Pebble Beach a small facelift, which lengthened the legendary course to 7,014 yds, for the upcoming fifth hosting of the U.S. Open Championship in June 2010. To read more about the changes visit the Kingdom Magazine Issue 14 article Pebble Beach.

Also making the list is Palmer's home course, the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL, home of PGA Tour event the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. The recent renovations to Palmer's classic course were implemented with his expert vision throughout the entire process. For more information about the changes to Bay Hill please read Palmer and His Design Company Renovate Bay Hill Course.

Arnold Palmer Design Company golf resorts that made the list:

  • 1. PEBBLE BEACH RESORT/INN AT SPANISH BAY (3)* Score: 89.17 Contact & Directions: pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300 Room Rate:** $595 New & Notable: Site of the 2010 U.S. Open, Pebble has been strengthened and lengthened to more than 7,000 yards. At $495, the green fee is stratospheric -- but check its website for money-saving packages.
  • 18. THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY (CALIF.) (28) Score: 78.77 Contact & Directions: ritzcarlton.com, 650-712-7000 Room Rate: $419 New & Notable: Arthur Hills' super-scenic Ocean Course is being groomed to accept links-style run-up shots. This project concludes before the end of the year. The second course is an Arnold Palmer design.
  • T-38. FOUR SEASONS RESORT AVIARA (44) Carlsbad, Calif. Score: 72.67 Contact & Directions: fourseasons.com, 760-603-6800 Room Rate: $395 New & Notable: Greenside bunkers are filled with high-quality silica sand, and the redesigned Aviara clubhouse opened in December, completing the resort's modernization project.
  • 49. BARTON CREEK (47) Austin Score: 70.91 Contact & Directions: bartoncreek.com, 800-336-6158 Room Rate: $210 New & Notable: Fazio Canyons, one of two Tom Fazio courses at the resort, was the site of U.S. Open local qualifying. Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore designed the other two courses.
  • 55. RESORT SEMIAHMOO (NR) Blaine, Wash. Score: 69.71 Contact & Directions: semiahmoo.com, 800-770-7992 Room Rate: $149 New & Notable: Loomis Trail was the site of the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship in May, and tee boxes on Arnold Palmer's Semiahmoo course have been reconstructed and enlarged.
  • 56. LA QUINTA (CALIF.) RESORT& CLUB/PGA WEST (42) Score: 69.69 Contact & Directions:laquintaresort.com, 760-564-4111 Room Rate: $199 New & Notable: Three courses (out of five) have been updated: new GPS systems, bunkers and tee boxes at the Stadium and Nicklaus courses and a few new greens on the Mountain.
  • 58. TURTLE BAY RESORT (64) Oahu, Hawaii Score: 69.29 Contact & Directions: turtlebayresort.com, 808-293-6000 Room Rate: $371 New & Notable: The practice area at the George Fazio Course has more than doubled to 16,000 square feet to accommodate more golfers. The Palmer Course's range is even bigger.
  • 69. BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE (74) Orlando Score: 67.74 Contact & Directions: bayhill.com, 888-422-9445 Room Rate: $225 New & Notable: Home to Arnold Palmer and his popular PGA Tour stop, the course is getting a $2 million upgrade (tees, greens and bunkers) to be completed Oct. 1.

Posted: September 22, 2009 05:14 PM

Arnold Palmer-designed Zhailjau Golf Resort Yields Exciting Play for the Kazakhstan Open

September 17, 2009

Some superb strokeplay as well as a hefty slice of luck helped England’s Gary Boyd to a round of 63 on the rain-affected opening day of the Kazakhstan Open, which carries the largest prize fund of a regular Challenge Tour event.

Boyd smashed the course record at the stunning Arnold Palmer-designed Zhailjau Golf Resort in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with nine birdies in a flawless round of golf. That represents Boyd’s lowest round to par – his previous best was an eight under par 62 in Poland last year – in a fledgling professional career which has so far yielded one Challenge Tour victory.

For more details and updates visit the official tournament website.

Posted: September 17, 2009 04:05 PM

N.C. State's Lonnie Poole Golf Course packs plenty of punch

September 16, 2009

As published on GolfChannel.com
By ERIK PETERSON
Travel Editor, GolfChannel.com
Posted: September 16, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. – With new golf course openings few and far between these days, it came as a breath of fresh air when the Arnold Palmer-designed Lonnie Poole Golf Course opened earlier this year. But behind all the pomp and circumstance lies a golf course that’ll bring even the longest hitters to their knees.


The third hole at Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Situated atop rolling terrain, adjacent to the main campus at North Carolina State University, the par-71 tips out at 7,358 yards and gives Tobacco Road Golf Club a run for its money in the unofficial battle for North Carolina’s most difficult golf course. Even from the third-longest set of tees the course boasts a 500-yard par-4 (No. 3) and a par 5 approaching 600 yards (No. 11).

Palmer’s first public golf course design in Raleigh, Lonnie Poole is a super-sized version of the friendly, resort-style layouts for which Palmer is known. With wide fairways and large greens, it’s a bombers delight, a perfect venue for the long-hitting collegian (it's the new home for North Carolina State University’s men’s and women’s golf teams).

Holes 11 and 12 give players a dramatic view of the Raleigh skyline, a rare treat considering Lonnie Poole is the first course built inside the city’s Interstate 440 beltline since 1948. No. 11 might be the toughest tee shot because of a gnarly tree branch that overhangs the tee, requiring a cut-shot if you’re playing the back tee (one member of the grounds crew said he wouldn’t be surprised if they cut it down). At 658 yards it’s a three-shotter for just about everyone.

A few holes down the stretch have treacherous water hazards, most notably No. 15, which has a lake left off the tee and another one short and right of the green. The par-4 18th is a good birdie hole that will undoubtedly set the stage for some exciting tournament finishes.

N.C. State’s golf course, like its football team, looks to have the key components in place, and a bright future on the horizon.

Posted: September 16, 2009 11:47 AM

SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER

September 10, 2009

Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to Golfing Legend, Awaits President’s Signature into Law

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.

“Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers,” said Rep. Baca. “Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others.”

“Arnold Palmer served his country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has spent countless hours dedicated to improving the lives of others,” continued Rep. Baca. “He and his beloved wife Winnie did amazing work for numerous charities, including the March of Dimes, children’s hospitals, and prostate cancer research. Arnold is a humble man who loved his children and family, and never forgot where he came from. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for honoring a legend who has given so much, and I urge the President to quickly sign this recognition into law.”

Arnold Palmer’s magnetic personality and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. He has been the recipient of countless honors including virtually every national award in golf and both the Hickok Athlete of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year awards. He was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll. In addition, Arnold Palmer spoke before a joint session of Congress in March of 1990, in commemoration of the 100th birthday of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Through his charitable foundation, Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention, and women’s and children’s health. He has also founded both the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida.

“I have had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer,” added Rep. Baca. “My son, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., was also in attendance. Walking those eighteen holes with Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only is he a golf legend, but he also is a genuine person with a great sense of humor.”

“I truly believe that Arnold Palmer is deserving of this honor, and it is fitting the Senate passed this legislation on the eve of his 80th birthday,” continued Rep. Baca. “But it’s not just about his success on the links. Arnold also has contributed significantly to American society and culture and is an outstanding role model, especially for young people.”

Congressman Baca currently serves as a Member of the House Professional Sports Caucus, and Chair of the Caucus’ Golf Committee.

###

Posted: September 10, 2009 12:31 AM

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER

Born September 10, 1929 to Milfred Jerome (Deacon) and Doris Palmer is Arnold Daniel Palmer.

Some September 10th birthday highlights in Arnold Palmer's life include:

  • 1966 -- Palmer, 37, becomes agitated by meddling tasks given to him by Winnie in order to distract him from Secret Service men surreptitiously prowling the Latrobe countryside. Unbeknownst to Palmer, they were there to assure the safety of one of the most powerful and popular men in the world who flew to Latrobe for a surprise birthday visit. And for the first time in his life, Palmer’s plane is flown without him or his knowledge -- pilot Darrell Brown flies it to Gettysburg to pick up President Dwight Eisenhower for a surprise visit. "I was oblivious to it all," Palmer says, “until I answered the door and found General Eisenhower standing there with an overnight bag. ‘Say, you wouldn’t have room to put up an old man for the night, would you?’ One of the nicest weekends of my life followed. It was the thrill of a lifetime."
  • 1972 -- Tournament volunteers at Firestone Country Club arrange for a birthday cake and surprise party for Palmer, 43, as he served as a commentator for NBC Sports during the World Series of Golf.
  • 1989 -- The 255-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando opens to great fanfare. The first baby is born within hours after the ribbon cutting. Within 15 years, more than 100,000 children will be born in the Palmer hospital. Long-time friend Bob Hope serves as emcee at one of Palmer's 60th birthday events.
  • 1993 -- Parade Magazine publishes a Hoest & Reiner cartoon that shows a disgruntled man telling his wife, “The doctor wasn’t in . . . His office is closed for Arnold Palmer’s birthday.”
  • 1995 -- Palmer concludes the last round of the GTE Northwest Classic at Inglewood C.C. in Inglewood, California, with a stellar 66. It is on his 66th birthday and is noted for being the first time he’s ever shot his age.
  • 2005 -- Palmer celebrates his 76th at the wedding of his granddaughter, Katherine Ann (Katie) Saunders, 23, to James Parker Spears at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the Saunders family's summer home.
  • 2007 -- On his 78th birthday, Palmer is on hand at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe for the unveiling of the Zenos Frudako's statue of him. An exact replica is unveiled across the Atlantic at the Tralee course in Ireland.
  • Birthday luck? -- What might be most remarkable is that 66 percent of Palmer's aces - 8 of 14 - whose dates are verifiable occurred in September, with five of those being struck between September 3 through 7. Three days after his birthday Palmer carded his best score ever, a 60, at Latrobe Country Club on September 13, 1969.

As the legend turns 80, many articles have been published by the media celebrating the storied career and life of the all-american Arnold Palmer.

ArnoldPalmer.com

Golf Digest

September 2009 Issue

Golf World

USGA Museum

  • The Arnold Palmer Memory Book -- This site is dedicated to the fans of Arnold Palmer. It is a place for all who have a story to tell about this remarkable man and athlete. We encourage you to share your personal memories - as words, images, or videos - with others who admire, honor, and cherish Arnold Palmer as he approaches his 80th birthday.

Kingdom Magazine

USA Today

September 2, 2009

Wall Street Journal

Golf Channel

PGA Tour

Associated Press

ESPN

Fox Sports

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Desert Sun - Palm Springs

The Los Angeles Times

Reuters UK

The State - South Carolina

LIFE Magazine

Posted: September 10, 2009 12:01 AM