Arnold Palmer . . . R.I.P.

I was never much of a golfer, but I did play for a few years while Chris was in high school. It was something he wanted to do, and I wanted to hang out with him, so I took up the game. Of course, that led to me developing some interest in those who played the game well . . . and who did it with class and grace. The guy who stood head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field was Mr. Arnold Palmer . . . he was simply in a class by himself.

One afternoon after a round, we went into the Club House and Chris suggested that we order an Arnold Palmer. I was impressed and it became my drink of preference. I was always curious how the drink came to be named after him.

After his death was announced earlier this week, much about him, his life, and his distinguished career was published. I enjoyed reading about the good man . . . he lived his life well, and honorably. I admire that in a person.

One of the articles I read was about his evolution into golf course design, at which he was quite accomplished and successful. The article told how the drink came to be known by his name. The story goes that he was at the Master’s and told the bartender that he would like to have “a Mr. Palmer” . . . the bartender fixed the drink and served him with a smile and a wink. A customer overheard the conversation and after Mr. Palmer exited said, “Hey, I think I will have that Arnold Palmer drink” . . . the enterprising bartender saw an opportunity and added the drink to the menu.

Of course, he will be remembered for much more than the drink, but I think it is cool that folks will be ordering his drink for years to come. It is even cooler that it is a non-alcoholic beverage in a sport that is surrounded by significant alcohol consumption.

It Seems to me . . . that truth speaks volumes about what sort of man Arnold Palmer was.

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