GOLF: Shea’s moment with the King resonates

TO SAY ARNOLD Palmer transformed the sport of golf is correct, but shortsighted. Palmer changed the world of sports, and became a cultural icon.

As television began to revolutionize the sports world in the 1950s, Palmer exploded on the scene, winning seven major championships: four Masters, a U.S. Open, and two British Opens from 1958-1964.

He piled up 62 victories on the PGA Tour to rank fifth behind Sam Snead, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan.

He won 93 tournaments worldwide, including the 1954 United States Amateur.

From the New York Times obitutary of Palmer: “Handsome and charming, his sandy hair falling across his forehead, his shirttail flapping, a cigarette sometimes dangling from his lips, Palmer would stride down a fairway acknowledging his army of fans with a sunny smile and a raised club, like Sir Lancelot amid the multitude in Camelot,” Ira Berkow wrote.

“But it was more than his scoring and shotmaking that captivated the sports world. It was how he played. He did not so much navigate a course as attack it.

“If his swing was not classic, it was ferocious: He seemed to throw all 185 pounds of his muscular 5-foot-10 body at the ball. If he did not win, he at least lost with flair.”

He was an everyman, the son of a grounds superintendent at Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania who eventually became the golf pro, and helped move golf from its country club origins to a sport playable by all.

Homegrown hero

Four years after he became the first golfer to surpass $1 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour, Palmer bought his home course in 1971, and continued to live in his hometown much of the year until his death Sunday at age 87.

A trusted pitchman, Palmer endorsed nearly everything from lawn tractors to Cadillacs, and helped his agent Mark McCormack found IMG, the world’s largest sports, events and talent management agency.

According to Forbes, Palmer won $3.6 million in prize money during his 52 years on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, but earned 240 times that from appearances, endorsements, licensing and golf course design. His estimated $875 million in career earnings ranks third all-time in sports behind only Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

But it was his humanity that touched so many.

Palmer was a benevolent King, seemingly always available to share a kind word, pose for a picture or write a letter filled with advice from the heart.

A gracious man.

I asked our area golf pros and general managers if any of them had ever met Palmer.

Cedars at Dungeness General Manager Bill Shea did have that honor, meeting Palmer and enjoying a brief conversation with the legend while in Orlando, Fla. for the PGA Merchandise Show and conference.

“We happened to be staying at Bay Hill Resort during that stay,” Shea said.

“Our first night on property we found our way to the bar in need of some refreshments after a weary day of travel. It was pretty late and the room that holds 100 people was virtually empty. We chose our seats and the bartender came to greet us. He looked at me and said ‘nice choice.’

“I didn’t know what he was referring to until he explained that I was sitting in Mr. Palmer’s seat. I immediately improved my posture, smiled ear-to-ear and ordered an Arnold Palmer. Throughout our three-day experience we saw glimpses of him throughout the property. The staff in every department had the highest praises for him.

“On our final day, I rose early and went to the clubhouse for breakfast. About halfway through my meal I looked over my shoulder and noticed Mr. Palmer was also having an early breakfast.

“Dying to meet him, but not knowing the appropriate protocol I got the servers attention to inquire. He instructed me to wait until his meal was complete prior to approaching him.

“Those next 10 minutes were very nerve-racking.It felt like I was going on my first date with my wife. Sweaty palms, heart racing and a million thought crossing my mind.

Eventually the time was up. It was now or never. I gathered my strength to go meet a man known as ‘The King.’

“As he saw me approaching his table, he smiled and waved me over. We spoke like old friends for about 5 minutes. He was kind, humble, funny and very appreciative.

I did my best to thank him for everything he has done for this great game and the tremendous role model he has been. He happily agreed to a picture and then signed his autograph. It was the most legible signature I have ever seen from a celebrity.

Staying up late [Sunday] night watching the Golf Channel and hearing all of the great comments from his peers was truly inspiring.

“He is gone, but his legacy will live on forever. I can proudly call myself one of the King’s servants … Promoting the game, teaching the game and playing the game.”

RIP, Mr. Palmer.

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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.