Arnold Palmer

Biography

Arnold Palmer is generally regarded as one of the greatest golf players in the sport’s history. Born in the US in 1929, he learned to play from his father, who was a professional golfer, and won a golfing scholarship to university.

After serving in Korea, Palmer returned to competitive golf and turned pro in 1954 after winning a US Amateur championship. Four years later he won the first of seven majors. Between 1960-1963, he won 29 PGA Tour events

In 1967 Palmer became the first man to reach one million dollars in career earnings on the PGA Tour. He won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average four times and played on six Ryder Cup teams. He was the last playing-captain in 1963 and captained the team again in 1975.

Palmer won ten events on the Senior PGA Tour tour, including five senior majors. He won the first World Match Play Championship.

In 2004, he competed in The Masters for the last time, marking his 50th consecutive appearance in that event. He retired from tournament golf in 2006.

His business career includes helping to found The Golf Channel, and negotiating the deal to build the first golf course in China.

Career Highlights