Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer is a champion golfer. But more importantly a Champion person.

Arnie was the early Tiger Woods.  His charisma was contagious.  He introduced golf to the general public when TV first came to the world of golf.  Arnie captured the public's imagination with his swagger, style, and swashbuckling go-for-it golf mentality.  His play and his personality endeared him to the public in a way that led fans to create Arnie's Army, a fan club that followed him on the course and cheered him onto victory.

While Arnie went on to win 6 major in the 60's and 70's he earned a pittance compared to today's modern golfer and athlete.  Today's golfers earn millions often while never winning a tournament in their careers.  Arnie, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods paved the way for today's golfer to enjoy fantastic paydays.

Despite Arnie's relatively modest golf earnings, he went on to become a multi-millionaire with his charismatic personality, personal connection with the fans, and his phenomenal ability to treat each individual with dignity and respect.

Arnie's connection with the people with each individual was what made him unique, special, transcendent. Arnie's popularity and success transcended sports, business, and culture.

But what was Arnie's secret? Why did he captivate us, why did we cheer for him and want him to succeed.  Surely, they were other more talented golfers, plenty of other golfers were friendly and connected with the fans. 

What was his IT factor?

It''s hard to know but we can guess.  He connected with the individual, the working man, the everyday man.  The common man.  For he was one himself.  He grew up in a working class family, and was raised by parents, and a father that showed him tough love when necessary.  His father worked in golf and Arnie was taught humility and respect for every individual from a very young age.

He never forgot his humble roots even when he became The King of Golf.  He always remembered where he came from when he was on top of the world.  He was true to himself and people wanted to see him succeed, cheered for him to succeed.

Arnie always appreciated his supporters, but not just his supporters every person.  He would respond to fan requests with hand written notes, and took the time to be kind and respectful of everyone he met.

Arnie was one of the founders of the Golf Channel.  Success seemed to follow him wherever he went, and he shared his success by founding the Palmer Children's hospital in Florida and many other philanthropic endeavors.  He shared his success and helped others on their own journey.

Arnie's claim to fame?

He was a lover of people.

With Love,

Coach K