

“When people ask what’s driven me all these years,
I always give the same answer.
It’s you.”
- Arnold Palmer
I followed Arnold in the PGA event in New Orleans when it was played at Lakewood Country Club -- across the river from New Orleans. He was not in contention and likely to miss the cut; it was round 2. Throughout the first few holes he engaged many people in the galley in conversation. "Where are you from?"; What's your name?; "Hi, thanks for being here and supporting the tournament." I was stunned by this -- he connected with the crowd like no one I've ever seen. Other golfers that I followed in that tournament (and others) barely acknowledged the fans. Anyway, after the 5th hole, it began to storm. A car pulled up to the 5th tee. The drivers of the car prompted Arnie to ride back to the club house with them. I was a few feet away from Arnold. He looked at the drivers of the car and said nicely, but bluntly (and I'll remember this until the day I die) "thanks, but I'm going to walk back with my fans." Several others heard this statement and we were all stunned. It was a long way back to the club house. Arnie's devotion to his fans was symbolic of the man -- he never forgot the importance of those who paid to watch him play.