St. Augustine, Fla. (March 17, 2004) – Beginning November 15, the World Golf Hall of Fame will give fans of the game a glimpse into the life of Arnold Palmer through a special exhibit that will remain open through Spring 2005. The opening of Arnold Palmer: For the Love of the Game will coincide with the 2004 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 15.
“Golf has touched so many aspects of my life. It has given me the opportunity to see and do so many things over the years,” said Palmer. “I am pleased to work with the World Golf Hall of Fame to share some of my stories with the public through this exhibit.”
Palmer emerged on the professional golf scene after his victory at the U.S. Amateur at The Country Club of Detroit in 1954. Through artifacts, memorabilia and video, the exhibit will look at his 50-year storied career in golf, as well as his numerous successful business ventures, including more than 100 separate Palmer licensing and endorsement deals in over 30 countries.
Arnold Palmer: For the Love of the Game will tell tales of Palmer that golf fans might not know, from stories about his stint with the United States Coast Guard to the thrill of playing golf with six United States presidents and piloting the globe in his Lear 35. The exhibit also will look at Palmer’s personal side, including the philanthropic efforts that remain close to his heart.
“Arnold Palmer is a pioneer for the sport, having kept fans around the globe interested in his journey for five decades. His stories are interesting to even the casual golf fan,” said Jack Peter, the Hall of Fame’s Chief Operating Officer. “The Hall of Fame is proud to showcase this exhibit and grateful for the assistance we have received from Mr. Palmer and Arnold Palmer Enterprises.”
The 2004 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will mark 30 years since the first class was inducted in Pinehurst, NC in 1974. Palmer was a part of the first class of inductees, along with Patty Berg, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Francis Ouimet, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Harry Vardon and Babe Zaharias. Palmer is planning to attend this year’s Induction Ceremony.
The exhibit will be located in the World Golf Hall of Fame, which is at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.