Arnold Palmer
After winning the 1954 U.S. Amateur and turning professional, Palmer broke through by winning the 1958 Masters, his first major. His charismatic, go-for-broke style drew huge crowds dubbed 'Arnie's Army' and helped popularize golf on television. He became a superstar in 1960, when a dramatic U.S. Open comeback made him golf's biggest draw.
Steel-Town Roots
Palmer grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where his father was the head professional at the local country club. He learned the game young and developed the aggressive, powerful swing that would become his trademark.
The King and Arnie's Army
Palmer's charisma and daring style won seven major championships, including four Masters, between 1958 and 1964. His legions of fans, known as Arnie's Army, helped turn golf into a popular television spectacle.
A Lasting Empire
Beyond his 62 PGA Tour wins, Palmer became a savvy businessman, golf course designer and co-founder of the Golf Channel. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and remained golf's beloved 'King' until his death in 2016.
Career Timeline
- 1929Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Father kept the club.
- 1954U.S. Amateur. Turns professional. Marries Winnie.
- 1958First Masters.
- 1960Masters and U.S. Open. Cherry Hills, from seven back.
- 1961Open Championship, Royal Birkdale.
- 1964Fourth Masters. Seven majors in all. Never the PGA.
- 1974World Golf Hall of Fame, first class.
- 2004Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- 2012Congressional Gold Medal.
- 2016Dies in Pittsburgh at eighty-seven, waiting on heart surgery.
Biggest Hits
- The popular drink mixing iced tea and lemonade is named the 'Arnold Palmer' because he often ordered it.
- Palmer helped found the Golf Channel and was a pioneer in athlete branding, building a business empire around his name.
Portrait: Dan Perry from Atlanta, USA · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons