Palmer had everything that the camera loved. He was good-looking, charismatic, was relatable, was likable, and felt approachable. More importantly, he was a damned good golfer.
Palmer won his first Major in 1958, the Masters, and he went on to win it three more times in the 1960s. He dominated the "Kennedy Era," bringing eyeballs to the sport and raising the game to unforeseen heights.
It has pontificated that Palmer made golf cool and brought it out of the country clubs and into the mainstream. With the exception of Tiger Woods, Palmer inspired more people to pick up a golf club. That is the mark of an icon.
In closing, there is a drink named after him. That is “Hall of Fame” on a whole different level.
We are proud to nominate Arnold Palmer for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
The United States Athletics Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame Honorees
Celebrating the athletes, coaches, contributors and commentators whose achievements have shaped American sport.
Arnold Palmer
While Arnold Palmer was not the first superstar of golf, he was the first of the television era, making him the sport's top attraction.
Additional Info
- Sport: Golf
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Statistics:
62 PGA Tour Wins
7 Majors
4 Master Tournament Wins (1958, 1960, 1962 & 1964)
1 U.S. Open Win (1960)
2 British Open Wins (1961 & 1962)
2 PGA Player of the Year Awards (1960 & 1962)
Member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
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