I don't play golf. I don't even know that much about golf. But when I heard about the passing of golf "king" Arnold Palmer this week, I was deeply saddened. The day after his death, my local paper devoted a full page to his life. Arnold Palmer's story is quite an inspirational one.
He was the son of a country club groundskeeper. It is said that Arnold Palmer transformed the elite game of golf to an "everyman's sport."
"He played by the seat of the pants that he regularly hoisted back up to his waist -- an everyman gesture that endeared him to duffers around the world." His fans came to be known as "Arnie's Army."...NBC News
It seems he wasn't just one of the golf greats, but one of the most genuinely gracious humans as well. We can all take away lessons from the life he lived--both on the course and off.
1.Share your personal touch - A story is told about a man who took his infant son to Arnold Palmer's office hoping for a quick photograph. Palmer gave them so much more. Palmer reached over and took the boy from his father's arms. After the photo, Palmer sat the boy on down on his desk and played with him for several minutes. He had a way of making you feel welcome, like you'd known each other for years.
2.Acknowledge everyone - Golf great Phil Mickelson said he learned lesson after lesson from Arnold Palmer through the years. The most important one: Never walk past anyone without acknowledging them. Arnold Palmer made the unknown fan feel just as important as a celebrity or president. He always made eye contact.
"He (Arnold Palmer) had time for the biggest and the smallest." ...Bob Costa
3.Be an encourager - It is reported that Arnold Palmer spent hours signing photographs for fans who requested them. He also wrote notes of encouragement to young golfers who were just starting out. One such note was written to University of Texas student golfer Gavin Hall, who, at the age of 14, received a letter from Palmer after Palmer noticed him at an invitational in New York. The letter begins: "I was pleased to hear of your recent accomplishments on the golf course..."
Arnold Palmer taught the best way--by example. That is what makes his memory so rich and well loved.
The road to success is always under construction."
...Arnold Palmer