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To fans, Palmer seems ageless ADAM HIMMELSBACH: Arnold Palmer visits Fawn Lake Date published: 6/11/2010
HE SEEMED to appear With about 200 people waiting for him at the practice range at Fawn Lake Country Club yesterday, Arnold Palmer came into view as he rode across the course in a golf cart. He was driven past a cardboard cutout of himself before the cart stopped and the crowd cheered. Palmer stood at the edge of the course--an Arnold Palmer signature course--and gave a thumbs-up. He waved and bowed, a lock of silver hair falling over his forehead. There were 80 golf balls at his feet and a bag of clubs at his side. I wondered how many of Palmer's days are like this one. Wherever he goes, people still want to see him hit a golf ball. Even at 80 years old. There's something about golf that allows legends to stay forever young in the eyes of their fans. No one wants to see a retired prizefighter take a punch or a retired running back get tackled. Yet everyone wants to see Arnold Palmer swing a nine-iron. But sometimes, maybe Palmer would rather not swing a nine-iron. "I'm gonna hit a few shots," he told the crowd, "and the first guy that laughs, I'll quit." The crowd laughed, and so did Palmer. Then he said something else, this time without a smile. "My golf is so bad, I'm embarrassed," he said. "I really am." It was clear that at these meet-and-greets, Palmer enjoys backslaps more than backswings. He enjoys telling stories. He enjoys making people laugh. And if hitting a few golf balls is a way to get to this point, then hand him a three-wood. Yesterday, Palmer was engaging and endearing. He told the crowd about his dog Mulligan, a golden Labrador. He talked about his relationship with his two grandsons, both of whom play golf. He even asked a small boy in the audience if he wanted advice about girls. With each story and with each quip, the crowd laughed. The stories humanized Palmer and also invigorated him. After speaking for several minutes, Palmer crouched over a ball and prepared to take a shot. Then he abruptly stood up. "Any more questions?" he asked. Fawn Lake head pro Pat Fountain stepped in. "We want to see you hit a few balls," Fountain said, smiling. Of course, Palmer obliged.
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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