Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer History at Latrobe Country Club

You just shot a blistering three-under par at Latrobe and you're wondering what could possibly top your day. Then it happens. In the door walks Arnold Palmer. "How'd you hit 'em today?" he asks. Arnold Palmer has an unfailing sense of thoughtfulness with everybody he comes in contact. His magnetic personality and down-to-earth common touch have made him one of the most popular and accessible public figures in history. And yes, he still lives in Latrobe during the warm months of the year and plays his home course almost daily.

Arnold was born September 10, 1929 in Latrobe. His saga began when he was four-years old swinging a set of golf clubs that had been cut down by his father, Milfred (Deacon) Palmer. Deacon worked at Latrobe Country Club from 1921 until his death in 1976. Much of that time he was both the golf professional and course superintendent. Before long, Arnold was playing well enough to beat the older caddies at the club. He began caddying himself when he was 11 and worked almost every job at the club over the years.

The strongly built young man concentrated on golf in high school and twice won the Pennsylvania high school championship. When he was 17, he won the first of his five West Penn Amateur Championships. At Wake Forest College, he was the number-one player on the golf team and was one of the leading collegiate players of that time.

Arnold's springboard to professional fame and fortune was his victory in the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1954. He turned professional a few months later. His hottest period was a four-year stretch from 1960 to 1963 when he captured 29 of his titles and collected almost $400,000 at a time when purses were minute by today's standards. He won the Masters Tournament four times in 1958,1960, 1962 and 1964. He also won the U.S. Open in spectacular fashion in1960 at Cherry Hills Country Club and the British Open in 1961 and 1962. He was named "Athlete of the Decade" for the 1960s by the National Associated Press. All totaled, Arnold amassed 92 championships in professional competition. Sixty-two of the victories came on the U.S. PGA Tour.

In addition to his amazing feats on the course, Arnold has a huge list of accomplishments off the links. He is a highly successful business executive, prominent advertising spokesperson, skilled aviator and talented golf course designer. But most importantly, he is a devoted family patriarch who has never lost touch with his Western Pennsylvania roots. His influence is felt by everyone who visits Latrobe Country Club.