Palmer’s legacy transcends game of golf.
Against the backdrop of the first presidential debate of this general election campaign — an exclamation point in a sharply polarized nation — it’s hard to imagine a better time to cherish the memory of Arnold Palmer, a great golf champion and philansthargoepist who united millions of Americans in appreciation and admiration.
Palmer, known for his warmth and quick wit, spotlighted the contrast himself in 2012 when he became only the sixth sportsman to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, and one that requires the sponsorship of at least two-thirds of members in the House and Senate. “I’m particularly proud of anything that the House and Senate agree on,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from Democratic and Republican leaders.
Then, as now, members of the two parties were at war over many issues. But together they were soldiers in Arnie’s Army.
When Palmer died Sunday at 87, he left his fans around the world with decades of treasured memories of his triumphs on the golf course. His go-for-broke play. His sportsmanship. His seven major titles, including four Masters championships. His 62 PGA Tour wins. His victories on the senior Champions Tour.
Palmer was a goodwill ambassador for his sport and a guardian of its image for decades. He was a role model and mentor to younger players on the tour. But his influence went far beyond the top tier of professional golfers. A Coast Guard veteran from a humble background, he helped turn golf from a country-club sport to a game for all Americans; he was an inspiration to generations of weekend duffers.
Through his near-universal appeal and marketing magic, Palmer earned hundreds of millions of dollars over his lifetime through endorsements, course design and other ventures. He rubbed shoulders with presidents in both parties. But unlike other elite athletes, including some of today’s top golfers, Palmer never let his fortune and fame turn into an excuse to become aloof from fans. He signed a million autographs, by his own estimate, taking care to make sure his signature would be legible to make it a true keepsake. He wrote reams of personal thank-you notes to sponsors and fans.
And while the world knew Palmer as a great champion, Central Florida — which became his winter home 40 years ago — also knew him as a great humanitarian.
His lengthy list of good works over decades in this region is topped by his leadership in raising money to establish two premier medical facilities in Orlando: the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, named after his first wife of 45 years.
Palmer first agreed to lend his name and fundraising power to open a hospital for children after touring the newly opened neonatal intensive care unit and pediatrics wing of Orlando Regional Medical Center in the mid-1980s and declaring, “We can do better than this — we should do better than this — for the children of our community.” His challenge has been achieved. Since 2008, Arnold Palmer Hospital has been rated among the nation’s best hospitals for children. The lives of countless kids have been saved and improved because he cared.
What the U.S. Golf Association said about Palmer’s impact on the game could also be said about his impact on Central Florida. Both are “better because of him, and in so many ways, will never be the same.”