CHASKA, MN—On the eve of the commencement of play for the 41st Ryder Cup Matches the passing of Arnold Palmer clearly has impacted the golf and sports world. The reach of Arnold Palmer was significant in a number of ways but there are four key areas in which Arnie’s contributions will forever be remembered.
* RE-ESTABLISHING “THE OPEN” AS A WORLD CLASS EVENT *
When Palmer competed in the 100th anniversary of The Open at The Old Course at St. Andrews, the event was more about the past than anything close to a bright future. Top American professionals did not make the trek “across the pond” simply because one’s expenses were often more than what any prize amount they could earn when competing.
At the urging of his manager Mark McCormack, Palmer played in the event after capturing the first two major championships of the year -- The Masters in Augusta and the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills where Arnold fired a final round 65 to win America’s national championship. For Palmer, the thought of achieving a modern “grand slam” was his goal -- winning The Open would be the 3rd leg of such a goal with the PGA Championship to follow.
Arnold Palmer smiles with his trophy and medal after winning the British Open Golf Championship on July 15, 1961. AP Photo
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
