Another fond memory of Arnold Palmer

From Hugh Hunter

Over 40 years ago, as a teacher in Alloa, I was lucky to be able to take a group of young enthusiastic golfers to see a television match at Turnberry where Arnold Palmer played Bernard Gallacher. 

TV matches were very slow at that time so there was plenty time to get close up to players. One boy, who was a huge Palmer fan, followed him closely ...never more than a yard or two away and when there was an extra big delay, Arnold came over to the boy saying  "You have been following me closely all day" and asking "Where do you come from." 

The boy told him "Stirling"   (and later told me that he said Stirling because Arnold would not know where Alloa was!). 

Reply from Arnold  " You mean to say you have travelled all that way just to see me play golf" 

 The youngster was speechless... A moment he will remember for ever(and also myself)

Enormous charisma ... and we did see the famous hitching of the trousers.

 Hugh

R&A STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ARNOLD PALMER

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R and A, said: "It is with great sadness that we have awoken to hear the news of Arnold Palmer's passing. He was a true gentleman, one of the greatest ever to play the game and a truly iconic figure in sport.

"His contribution to The Open Championship was, and remains, immeasurable. He will be missed and forever remembered by all at The R and A and throughout the world of golf as a charismatic and global champion of our game."