Golf legend Arnold Palmer did not leave a guide on how to play the perfect game of golf. However, what he did do was prove some good examples and thoughts for us to contemplate.
For example, a golf system often describes a full-swing technique – method you need to follow to hit your mark and develop as a golfer. However, to Arnold, a golf system represented the entire way you played.
Therefore, a golf system, to Palmer, involved your choice of an iron, what you tended to do on downslopes or side slopes, how you played against the wind, and how you handled pressure.
While the golf pro believed a system could be partly taught, he also thought that a system or how you played golf was a form of self-discovery. Arnold once said, “When you saw me gripping and re-gripping the club . . . and taking . . . [some] waggles, I [really] was thinking about how I was going to play the shot.”
That was Arnie’s approach, which worked out a lot better than dwelling on the occasion or the importance of the golf event.
Arnold Palmer Always the Trendsetter
When he was golfing in Orlando at Bay Hill Club, Arnold usually did not wear socks with his footwear.
However, he also preferred golfers be clean-cut and he loathed anyone who dare leave their shirt in a crumpled mess and untucked.
He always was a trendsetter when it came to dressing for the game.
For example, he wore a navy-blue cardigan during the 1960s and chose mod patterns and collars with bat wings in the 1970s. Long packets represented his golf style in the 80s.
He also favored quirky golf colors, such as pink, and continually was breaking in new pairs of golf shoes during competitions. Nevertheless, the famous golfer was mainly old school when it came to golf wear.
He told Golf Digest in 2008 that a well-dressed golfer was like someone going to church. He gives others the impression that he thought the people and links were both special.
Committed to Youthful Causes
Arnold liked young people as well. No other athlete signed as many autographs for young people or supported youth programs and initiatives.
For example, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando is a good example of the golfer’s support of youthful institutions and causes. His foundation donates money to many different programs – all which focus on helping young people.
A Dedicated Walker
Unlike some golfers, Arnold never liked golf carts. Therefore, Palmer put in a lot of miles walking during his golf career.
The walker-golfer felt walking was just as intrinsic to the game as swinging a golf club. While he walked for his health, Arnold also believed walking made him a better player.
He even lobbied against the use of golf carts on the senior circuit. Given that he lived 87 years, you can surmise that walking had something to do with that.
A Famous and One-of-a-Kind Golf Grip
The bronze-colored Vardon Trophy – a golf prize given to the PGA tour player with the lowest average score, was made to model Arnold’s grip – at least that is the contention.
In fact, some people state that a cast was taken of the golf great to make the trophy. While Palmer never denied or verified the rumor, his grip, for a long time, was the envy of all golfers.
That unique grip—where the Vs of his hands were directed at his right ear—never changed throughout the years.
When you think over Arnold’s life and his influence, you start to understand why golf is addictive. Golf teaches us things about the importance of individuality, morality, and what it really means to win in life.
The game tests our strengths and weaknesses and makes us understand that winning means so much more than merely swinging a club.
Photo credits: www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1868304_1818555,00…
