Palmer was to golf what Ali was to boxing
Just as I was marvelling at the way Rory McIlroy won the Tour Championship on Sunday, and along with it the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus, came the news that The King was no more.
Arnold Palmer was to golf what Muhammad Ali was to boxing. Both were foremost exponents of their art and undoubted champions in their field. But not only did they do fantastic things with their own sport, they made the world a better place to live.
I have always maintained that there have been two players in the history of golf who have changed the way people think about the sport — Palmer and Tiger Woods.
When Palmer turned pro in the mid 1950s, golf wasn’t still a true blue mainstream sport in the US. It was popular no doubt, but it lagged behind others in terms of attendance and television time. It all changed when Arnie brought his own style and swagger to the game.
Obviously, his go-forbroke style of golf, his celebrations and his Hollywood looks, complete with the infectious smile and powerful physique, helped. People started to go to golf tournaments just to have a look at Palmer.
And The King never disappointed his Army. One of the things he absolutely believed in, and he told this several times to us professionals, was that we had a responsibility beyond playing good golf. We needed to give something back to the fans — irrespective of whether he paid gate ticket or not. Palmer said the fact that they had taken time off their work/home duties to come and watch you should be reason enough for you to make them special.
Palmer’s chemistry with the fans was unbelievable. The one thing I have always marvelled about him was his ability to write letters. I am not exaggerating, but I have met at least more than a thousand people who have received autographed cards, notes and photographs from him.
Charisma
It’s a tribute to his way with people, and his charisma, that after earning less than $2 million in his entire playing career, he still raked in close to $30m annually through his business and endorsement deals at the age of 87. And he still spends most of it on charity and in looking after people through many of his projects like the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
Moving on, it’s the Ryder Cup week and Rory’s fabulous win would have given Europe a much-needed boost before the tournament. Europe have dominated the tournament in recent years, but I have no doubt that in Hazeltine and with the class that the hosts have, it will be a tough ask for captain Darren Clarke and his men.
I am looking forward to the battle. Team championships are always full of excitement and drama. And I am sure this Ryder Cup will be no different.