Arnold Palmer speaks of golf and his association with Jack Nicklaus – Part 2
“We're very close. We talk about golf, or fishing, or just the things we do now. We both still design golf courses, and we're both still very competitive. That keeps our friendship intact,” said Palmer.
Nicklaus and Palmer were seen locking horns on a bitter feud which started off a few months back. Nicklaus had reportedly lobbied to gain support from two of the local Congressmen of Florida to convert at least five of the state parks into Jack Nicklaus
designed golf courses. The “Golden Bear” wanted to leave a legacy for the Floridians who will remember him after he is long gone.
The suggestion raised by the Congressmen received scathing criticism from all walks of life and many of the environmental protection agencies raised objections to the plans referring it to another ecological disaster to the wet lands of the state. Many of
the social working groups suggested that these courses should be built in slumps and areas which have been permanently destroyed by over use like the trailer parks, and old abandoned parking lots etc… The two Congressmen, hence, had to withdraw the bill.
Palmer, who had opposed the bill at the very beginning, came out victorious in the battle and many of the golf critics foresaw a brewing war between the two giants, which never happened.
Palmer also answered to one of the most asked questions in the recent times, of whether Tiger Woods would be successful in breaking Nicklaus’s record of 14 major victories. Palmer spoke realistically, citing there are little chances that it would happen
in the present scenario but also admitted that there is a strong chance it might happen. Palmer was of the view that Woods needed to be back in mainstream sport and would have to sort his mental and physical problems to return to his shining form again.
Palmer also strongly advocates the need to preserve the national courses of the likes of The Oakmonts and The Winged Foots. He remains one of the guiding lights for the young generation of players who are eager to match his caliber in the sport. Palmer was
known for his aggressive play and usually lashed out from the fairways to land a better approach on the greens.
Palmer made it into professional golf starting from humble backgrounds where his father was greens keeper at the modest Latrobe golf course. He won the Masters for four times from 1958 to 1964, the US Open once in 1960 and the Open Championship twice in
1961 and 1962. Palmer was never able to win the PGA Championship although he finished runner-up thrice in the event.
Palmer’s lucrative business ventures include the thriving course design company which has the honour of designing courses all over the world. He bought the Latrobe course in 1971 where his father used to work and also the Bay Hill Club and Lodge which has
been the venue of Arnold Palmer Invitational since 2007. He also launched the Arnold Palmer drink which has become one of the most sought after soft drinks in the country.
Palmer remains one of the strongest ambassadors of the sport across the world inspiring millions of hearts in the process.
Tags: