Transformation
Yukio Mishima wrote that “Knowledge alone is capable of transforming the world, while at the same time leaving it exactly as it is. When you look at the world with knowledge, you realize that things are unchangeable and at the same time are constantly being transformed.”
So life has been over the past couple of years, and so it is today, with everything in transformation even if, in so many ways, the rituals and structures of our larger world remain roughly unchanged. It seems a fitting season in which to examine transformation, given the falling leaves, the closing year and, we hope, the coming emergence from COVID. One of the first signs of that (and a welcome one, to be sure) was the reappearance of fans at TOUR events this year, beginning with the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard—which, curiously, was the last tournament to host fans in 2020 before the world turned upside-down. Transformed sidelines did not change the game, of course— attempting that was left to API champ Bryson DeChambeau, who along with his jaw-dropping power brought fresh drama to our sport with his verbal sparring partner, Brooks Koepka. Even here, though, what seems a departure is simply par for the course; read about other relationships in the rough on p68. On a sweeter note, on p102 we look at the rare miracle that is tupelo honey, a transformation that is possible only for a few weeks—maybe days—each year, and which yields one of the purest expressions of consumable natural beauty. Thanks specifically to Ben and Glynnis Lanier for sharing their knowledge on that, from a family that’s been gathering tupelo since 1898. Back in golf, shifting landscapes have inspired great courses, but some of those courses last but an instant. On p50 we look at venues once lauded, now gone, plowed under to make way for real estate, roads, or perhaps another golf course. Food transformed by excellent Italian wines from the good people at Pasqua is on p152; subtle variations transform a classic cocktail on p158; Will Zalatoris is transforming himself—after setting a new bar for rookie years—on p42; Rolls-Royce is transforming air travel on p114; and golf’s dynastic families continue to push and to shape the game on p32. Even Kingdom is in transformation, enjoying an evolution and expanded potential with our new publisher, a fine company called North & Warren, staffed by people eager to explore our planet and to communicate its wonders—to share knowledge that, hopefully, can help you to transform your own world. In that spirit, we look forward to journeying with you next year, and to seeing you on course soon. From everyone here at Kingdom, happy holidays, and have a wonderful new year.
Well, quite a lot has happened since we published the last issue of Kingdom! First we witnessed a magnificent victory for Team USA in the Ryder Cup—although Arnold Palmer’s American record of 22 matches won in the Ryder Cup remains intact, for now. Then Rory McIlroy joined an elite club by equaling the record first set by Arnold Palmer in 1960, of winning 20 PGA Tour titles before the age of 33. We should not under-estimate the enormity of that achievement; a clear illustration of talent, endeavor and durability, both physically and mentally.
Then Will Zalatoris—who we have interviewed for this issue (see p42)—was voted by his peers to receive the Arnold Palmer Award as PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020-21 season; the first non-member of the tour to win the award since 2001.
Off the course, a lot has been happening here at Kingdom. Celebrating our 20th year—and following 52 successful issues—we are excited to announce that Kingdom is now part of the North & Warren media group. North & Warren is one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America and the company has deep expertise in growing premium brands and in digital media.
For Kingdom, this means vastly increased capabilities and resources. We are already putting the finishing touches to our new website which will launch around the Holidays, we have deployed a new newsletter, The Turn, which is sent out every Wednesday, and we are very happy to have passed our goal of 150,000 followers across social media channels well ahead of schedule. We also have ambitious plans for the printed issue of Kingdom and events as we expand into 2022 and beyond.
As Publisher, I am delighted to enter into a partnership that guarantees we can continue to secure Arnold’s legacy and convey his impact on the game to an even larger audience, and even more so because my entire team—which has pretty much been with Kingdom since Arnold Palmer founded the magazine—remains in place.
With close friends and family in mind I would like to wish you health and happiness as the Holidays approach, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news and growth for Kingdom next year.
In the meantime, do please sign up to The Turn newsletter online at kingdom.golf.
Happy Holidays!