Golf’s Mount Rushmore
Arnold Palmer
- 7 career Major Championships
- 62 official Tour wins (5th all-time)
- 1954 U.S. Amateur Champion
- Six-time Ryder Cup team member (1961,1963,1965,1967,1971 and 1973)
- Professional years (1955-2006)
Arnold “The King” Palmer galvanized American sports in the 50s and 60s. He would not only become an American icon but a global icon in the process. Although Palmer had an outstanding playing career, his influence was most felt off the course.
Arnie’s Army were simply some of the most loyal and passionate of fans the game of golf has ever seen. To this day, only Tiger Woods has drawn more fandom in almost a cult-like following. All joking aside, one could argue that Palmer did more for the game of golf than any other player in history.
Palmer grew up in the blue-collar town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania and would bring his workmanlike charisma to the golf course. Palmer had an aura about him that was larger than the game. Without Palmer and his influence, the game of golf may have looked completely different. Some of history’s greatest golfers may have never picked up a club. Palmer’s endorsement deals would pave the way for future professional athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.
Palmer would finish his golf career with 7 Major Championships and his best professional year may have been 1960. In 1960, Palmer would not only win the Masters but a few months later, he would win the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club. He would also be named PGA Player of the Year that same year.
Palmer was known for his “helicopter” swing finish, resulting in his powerful draw. His playing style was fast, aggressive, ferocious and loud. If there is one knock on Palmer’s game, it would have to be his short game. At times, Palmer’s putting left a lot to be desired. If not for the putting woes, Palmer could’ve had twice as many Major Championships on his resume.
But what made Palmer so great, was his humility whether he won or lost. Palmer gave the game everything he had, which is more than any fan could ask for. In fact, our game owes him a huge debt, a debt that simply cannot be repaid.
This altogether, cements Palmer on golf’s Mount Rushmore.