Being someone who remembers the 50's and 60s' Arnold Palmer WAS Golf to many Americans. Arnold changed the way the American people saw Golf. The world also!
He is an Icon for everyman. Golf was generally a Country Club sport at that time. His success, humility, easy smile and respect for all people made him sportsman of the year in 1960.
He was daring on the course not conservative. He took chances as if saying WTF why not take the shot. He succeeded more often then not taking chances other golfers would not.
His slashing swing was not close to perfect and lots of Pro criticized it. It worked for Palmer. He was a hero for everyman. He made everyone who spoke with them feel like they
were the only two people there. His focus was on you. I can't remember who said this but it is appropriate.
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold were standing before God. God told Nicklaus "I will give you more talent then anyone who plays now and forever in the game of Golf." In turn he looked at
Arnold and said "But they will love you more." More appropriate words could not have been spoken.
