Arnold Palmer

The US American Arnold Daniel Palmer (b. September 10, 1929 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; † September 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) was one of the most famous players in golf, along with Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

Undoubtedly, however, Palmer was the most popular golfer, he was the first star of the TV era of this sport, which began in the 1950s.

Modern sports marketing

In 1960, he founded modern sports marketing, being the first sportsman to earn high revenues from advertising in parallel with high prize money. In addition, Palmer was also known as a golf course designer.

Arnold Palmer's father, Deacon Palmer (1905-1976), was Grounds Superintendent at Latrobe Country Club near Pittsburgh from 1926 until his death.

Golf game learned from mother

Deacon Palmer was a golf pro beginning in 1931. Arnold Palmer states that, if anything in the family, he learned to play from his mother; his father was far too busy on the golf course.

In the course of his impressive career, Arnold Palmer won seven majors (4 Masters, 2 Open Championships and once the US Open).

Best years from 1960 to '63

His best years on the PGA Tour were between 1960 and 1963, when he recorded 29 tournament victories in four seasons. At that time, he recruited a huge fan base, known as Arnie's Army, which continued to accompany him from tournament to tournament decades later.

In 1967, he became the first professional golfer to surpass the $1 million mark in prize money. One of the reasons for the great popularity and high earnings was the professional management by lawyer Mark McCormack, who convinced companies to sponsor golf tournaments.

Surpassed by Jack Nicklaus at the end of the 60s

Towards the end of the 1960s, Palmer was permanently outclassed by his much younger permanent rival Jack Nicklaus, but he still won at least one tournament year after year and even four in 1972.

When Palmer became eligible to play on the PGA Senior Tour, today's Champions Tour, his performance contributed significantly to the success of this tournament series. He won ten events there, five of which were senior majors.

In 2004, Arnold Palmer competed for the last time at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, after 50 consecutive starts. Then, when he missed the cut by 21 strokes at the 2005 US Senior Open, he announced his retirement from senior majors. In October 2006, he finally retired from professional tournament play.

Mixed drink of the same name

A mixed drink consisting of iced tea and lemonade is also known by the name Arnold Palmer. It was named after the golfer.

According to Arnold Palmer himself, he used to mix the drink at home, and at the 1960 U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered it often. A woman sitting nearby overheard this and ordered "that Palmer drink," from which the name is derived.

Alcoholic variant

A variant of the drink containing alcohol, usually vodka, is called "John Daly" - named after the U.S. golfer John Daly.

In 2012, ESPN produced a documentary featuring Palmer, various experts, the drink, professional PGA golfers and comedian Will Arnett. Palmer's usual blend is three parts unsweetened tea and one part lemonade.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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