Palmer public service set for Oct. 4 in Pennsylvania
Arnold Palmer’s family Monday thanked fans for the flood of tributes that have poured in since the golf legend’s death.
They have set up private and public services to honor Palmer, who died Sunday at the age of 87.
A memorial service for Palmer will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at St. Vincent’s College Basilica in Latrobe, Pa., the chairman of Arnold Palmer Enterprises announced.
Palmer was born in Latrobe and split his time be-
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“My family and I are deeply moved by the outpouring of support and love that we have received from the countless friends and admirers of my father,” Amy Palmer Saunders, Palmer’s daughter, said in a statement.
Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, and PGA golfer Sam Saunders, Palmer’s grandson, announced the memorial information during a news conference at Latrobe Country Club. Johnson stated Palmer died at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh after suffering complications from heart problems.
The Palmer family will hold a private funeral service later this week. They opted to wait until next week to host the public memorial service so it won’t overshadow the Ryder Cup international golf competition set for this week. The star-studded field is expected to salute to Palmer during the event at Hazeltine National Golf Club outside Minneapolis.
Known as “The King,” Palmer was a magnetic force on the course, racking up 62 PGA Tour wins and seven major championships during his career. He was engaging with fans, and his natural charisma paired perfectly with the rise of television coverage of golf. He helped enhance the popularity of the sport and sparked a move toward million-dollar purses common today. Palmer also had a slew of endorsement deals and developed an iconic drink, an equal mix of iced tea and lemonade that is commonly referred to as an Arnold Palmer.
After he retired from the links, Palmer was a gracious host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational played at Orlando’s Bay Hill Golf Club and Lodge and mentored young golfers eager to play at his event. He designed courses and raised extensive funds for charity that benefited organizations in Latrobe and Orlando.
He helped launch Orlando’s Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the nearby Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, which was named after his first wife.
Amy Palmer Saunders said in her statement it has been tough coping with her father’s death, but the family was grateful for the extensive tributes that illustrated his impact on the world.
“These first hours have been challenging, but we are comforted knowing that he was loved by so many and so deeply,” her statement read. “Words cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for the many people who have offered to help us in this time of sadness. My father would be so pleased to know that he is being thought of and recognized this way.
“... On behalf of my father and family, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Marci Doyle Baker, chief operating officer of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, said in a statement Palmer will be honored during the 2017 tournament to be held in March at Bay Hill.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm Arnold Palmer, 87, passed away Sunday evening. He was in a Pittsburgh hospital awaiting cardiac surgery when his condition degraded,” Baker said in a statement.
“The sports world will remember Mr. Palmer as one of America’s great golfers. His fans, friends and family will remember him as a great leader, philanthropist, entrepreneur, mentor, and loving father, grandfather and husband. His impact on our lives is immeasurable and will continue to be felt through his legacy.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our volunteers, partners, friends and fans. The messages of love and concern mean a great deal to the Palmer family and all of us who worked with him every day.
“The 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard will be an exceptionally memorable event where we will continue to honor Mr. Palmer’s legacy.”