In Memory
One of golfing’s greats . . . Arnold Palmer –
He passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2016.
In 1975, I was fortunate to be present at the induction of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias into the World Golf Hall of Fame located in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
As Air Force Military Assistant to then President Gerald R. Ford, we attended the ceremony so the President could welcome the Hall’s first class.
The photograph includes me, Arnie, his wife (Winnie), and President Ford. In our casual conversation, fellow golfer, Gary Player, had made a comment about Arnie’s curls, which is why my hand is there by his head!
Later, I interviewed to be Arnie’s backup pilot, but instead I thanked him and retired in Northwest Florida.
Arnold Palmer was a phenomenal individual, he made made everyone feel special as one of “Arnie’s Army.”
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Winifred “Winnie” Walzer Palmer, who died in 1999. They were married for 45 years. He remarried and is survived by his second wife, Kathleen Gawthrop.
You can read more about Arnold Palmer as well as other legendary golfers at World Golf Hall of Fame.