September 25, 2016

Sad news this day. On the new calendar, the death of the King, Arnold Palmer passes and will be eternally remembered.

Arnie & I had much more in common than even more of the general populace might first realize.

First, we played golf. Finally, we were both class acts. Someone said today at work that no one ever had anything bad to say about Arnold Palmer.

Same with me. Although you probably could turn over a few rocks and make the inquiry to some of the invertebrate creatures that scurry out away from the light.

I in fact have an Arnold Palmer story of my own. I don’t think I have ever written it down but have told it a few times. It was very cool and showed the true nature of Arnie and the kind of person he truly was.

It was 1975 and I was at the Augusta National Golf course. I was living in Columbia, SC at the time and I drove to Augusta for the Wednesday practice rounds when I found out from a fraternity brother you could get in on Wednesday for a general admission ticket which I did.

I have compared the visit and journey to a pilgrimage to a famous cathedral or religious site. I still get goose bumps when I watch the tournament every year on telly.

WHAT ABOUT ARNOLD PALMER ? IS HE GOING TO BE FITTING IN HERE SOMEWHERE BEFORE DAWN ?

It was a very pleasant day, the weather perfect & I still cannot think of a better place, ANYWHERE, to be than Augusta National in the Spring. At that time, Tom Watson was there and of course all the great players from around the world at that time.

A helicopter flew over the course and landed in a parking lot. Rumor spread quickly it was Mr Palmer’s and he would be piloting. I made my way over and before the rotors stopped, Arnie stepped out and began to walk briskly towards the clubhouse. The pace was important for it never broke.

The fans were behind the ropes and Arnold just inside the ropes walking. Fans pushed closer and passed things to autograph which he kept signing as he walked never breaking his stride.

Also as he walked, the crowd gathered and grew like iron filings over a magnet.

He kept signing articles, engaging the fans but kept right on walking and did not stop either walking, signing or smiling. There was no question this was a person of greatness.

I got a similar sense with Phil Mickelson but not to the same degree for sure.

It was an incredible thing to witness.

Also today, I was working in the garage using my nail gun when there was a little slip. Yes, I shot myself in my ‘social’ finger, a glancing blow, but it hurt like the closets of Hades. You know there are many, MANY nerve endings in the finger tips. Well, guess what ?

They were ALL working. I realized after a bit that the pain was familiar. It was a numbness not unlike hitting a finger with a hammer kind of numbness. So I am keeping it clean and watching for any signs of infection. The pain is one thing, an infection is NOT something to live with.

So there it is. I got a lot done but the session was cut short due to going to work.

Work work getting in the way of the other work.

So until next time.

God Bless and take care of the King.

Rest in Peace Mr Palmer.