Tribute to the King
May I thank you for Fergus Bisset’s fine tribute to Arnold Palmer in the December issue. He’s always been a hero of mine, but to see all of his contributions to our great game highlighted so eloquently brought back what a truly inspirational figure he was. Today’s cosseted stars all owe a huge part of their wealth to the hard work and innovation he brought to the game, and it was pleasing to see so many of them present at his memorial service held after the Ryder Cup.
One of my biggest regrets is never seeing the great man play in person, but I’ll treasure the memories of him battling it out with Jack and co. over the years. There doesn’t seem to be anyone who knew him who has a bad word to say about him and I think that sums the man up nicely. He was truly unique and the world is definitely poorer without him. Steve McLeod, Wetherby
Editor’s reply:
Steve, you are not alone. Arnie was a true legend and the reason for so many of us taking up this great game. GM nominated him as Golf’s Most Influential Figure in 2011, our centenary year, and for me, no one else came close. He was golf’s first global superstar and the sport would not be where it is today without him.