Arnold Palmer the King of Golf: Biography, PGA Tour,Age, Shorts, ESPN, Putt & More

The game was transformed by the talent and charisma of the great American golfer Arnold Palmer. Nicknamed “The King,” he drew millions to the sport with his friendly personality and captured seven major championships.

Arnold Palmer Biography

Full Name	Arnold Palmer
Profession	Professional Golfer
Age	1929-2016(No More)
Height	5 Feet 10 Inches
Date of Birth	September 10th, 1929
Birthplace	Latrode, PA
Weight	87kg
Mother Name	Doris
Father Name	Milfred Palmer
Religion	Christainity
Net worth	875 Million Dollars
Gender	Male
Star Sign	Capricon
Instagram	Click Here
Nationality	American

The Birth of a Legend: Arnold Palmer

In 1929, in the small borough of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Doris and Milfred Palmer gave birth to their little boy, Arnold Daniel Palmer. In a town made from the steel industry, options for work were slim. However, Palmer’s upbringing was different from everyone else’s, and his start in life was going to be mapped out right from the very start.

A Different Path

His father, Milfred, hadn’t had the easiest start in life, but he never let any of that get in the way. After suffering from polio since a young boy, he still managed to accomplish his dream of becoming the head professional and greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club. Because of his father’s profession, Arnold was able to escape the normal path he would have been destined to go down.

A Promising Start for Arnold Palmer

Young Arnold had all the facilities he could ask for—unlimited balls and a golf coach he had dinner with every night. With an edge on most golfers in the country and with a candle full of passion that never blew out, Arnold began dominating the junior scene throughout Pennsylvania. He took home every piece of silverware that was to be had. At a time before social media, Arnold’s name was spreading fast.

College and Tragedy

When it came to choosing a college, Arnold knew that if he were ever going to make it as a professional, he would need somewhere that he could play as much as possible. Back then, golf scholarships were scarce, and the chances of getting one were even slimmer.

In 1948, Wake Forest College landed a huge recruit for what was, at the time, a very small intercollegiate golf program—Buddy Worsham, whose older brother, Lou, had won the U.S. Open. Before the deal could be finalized, Worsham had one final request: could a good friend come with him? “Can he play golf?” asked Jim Weaver, the Deacon’s athletic director. As it turns out, Arnold Palmer could.

A Collegiate Dynasty

When he arrived on the old campus in the fall of 1948, Palmer simultaneously launched a collegiate golf dynasty and one of the greatest careers the game has ever known. He became Wake Forest’s first individual NCAA champion in 1949 and won the NCAA individual medal again in 1950. With the help of a friend, Palmer was given a pedestal on which he could perform at the highest level of golf in the country.

Heartbreak and Enlistment

Sadly, though, in 1950, the fate that brought him there tragically had to leave us far too early. On October 14th, 1950, Palmer’s best friend, Bud Worsham, died in a one-car automobile accident. The two men had traveled to a Durham hotel that night to attend Wake Forest’s homecoming dance. Palmer and another friend, Flick, decided to remain on campus instead and went to a movie together. Palmer and Flick learned the following morning what had happened.

Turning to Service

After losing his best friend, Palmer was never the same. He couldn’t concentrate in college, and months later, he dropped out to join the U.S. Coast Guard. With his mind in a dark place, Arnold put his thoughts towards saving lives. He served from 1951 to 1954, starting with basic training at Cape May, New Jersey. Palmer later taught physical education, including judo and defensive tactics. His next duty station was in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a military photographer.

Returning to Golf

Despite his military service, golf was still very much the main goal. He kept his game sharp by building a nine-hole golf course and winning amateur competitions throughout Pennsylvania. His big win came when Palmer returned to Wake Forest to complete his studies. In 1954, Palmer won the U.S. Amateur in Detroit and made the decision to turn pro in November of that year.

Early Success and Stardom of Arnold Palmer

After defeating 43-year-old Robert Sweeney in the 36-hole final, Palmer quit his job selling paint and played in the Weight Memorial Tournament in Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania. There, he met his future wife, Winifred Walzer. On November 17th, 1954, Palmer announced his intentions to turn professional. There was a different halo around Palmer compared to the rest of the tour, and he began to stand out.

Arnold Palmer, ESPN: The Television Era Begins:

Not only was Palmer a player rich in talent, but his good looks and charm, along with the emotion he wore on his sleeve, were completely different from what we had seen in golf. Now, with golf being shown on TV, Palmer’s exciting finishes brought the sport into a new light. In his 1955 rookie season, he won the Canadian Open and earned $2,400 for his efforts.

Arnold Palmer Becoming Golf’s First Superstar

People loved his charisma. The numbers he was bringing to the sport were a major factor in establishing golf as a compelling television event in the 1950s and 60s. With the country now watching, Palmer won his first major at the 1958 Masters Tournament. He eagled the 13th hole on Sunday to propel him to victory by one stroke.

Best of Arnold Palmer’s Golden Years

Palmer’s celebrity skyrocketed as he continued winning. In 1960, he signed with pioneering sports agent Mark McCormack. That year, he birdied the final two holes at the Masters to win and staged a dramatic comeback at the U.S. Open with a final round of 65.

Arnold Palmer Redefining the Grand Slam

Palmer envisioned a modern Grand Slam that included the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship. He traveled to compete in the 1960 British Open, finishing runner-up but drawing massive American attention to the event. He won the British Open in 1961 and 1962, cementing his international legacy.

Arnold Palmer’s Legacy: Final Victories

From 1955 to 1971, Palmer won a PGA Tour event every year. He also won the Vardon Trophy four times and was a six-time Ryder Cup player and captain. He helped launch the Senior PGA Tour in 1980, winning 10 events, including five senior majors.

Arnold Palmer: A Life Beyond Golf

Palmer competed in the Masters for 50 consecutive years and later served as an honorary starter. He became a certified pilot, logging nearly 20,000 flight hours. In 1999, the Westmoreland County Airport was renamed Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.

Arnold Palmer Dies and a Tribute

Palmer passed away on September 25, 2016, at the age of 87. His funeral was followed by tributes at the Ryder Cup, where players wore commemorative pins and honored his legacy. Palmer was more than a golfer—he was an icon and a pioneer who took golf from country clubs to the mainstream.

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