Latrobe Country Club: News

Spirit Airlines Announces Service Between Latrobe, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida

2012-01-24T17:13:17Z

MIRAMAR, Fla., Jan 24, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Spirit Airlines today announced that it will begin daily non-stop service between Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Pittsburgh and Orlando, Florida on May 17, 2012.

As an excellent alternative to Pittsburgh International Airport, Latrobe is conveniently located along Routes 30 and 981 in Western Pennsylvania, providing easy access for customers from throughout the region. Latrobe's Arnold Palmer Regional Airport offers a smooth and easy travel experience, not to mention free parking.

]]> "We are excited to expand our offering of ultra low fares to customers traveling between Pennsylvania and Central Florida, and giving even more consumers the opportunity to save money on travel," said Mark Kopczak, Spirit's Senior Director Network Planning. "Our cheap base fares with a range of optional services for a fee allows customers the freedom to choose only the extras they value."

"We are proud to be a partner with Spirit Airlines," said Gabe Monzo, Executive Director Westmoreland County Airport Authority. "We look forward to their non-stop service to Orlando providing yet another excellent low-fare option for travelers from throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania."

"This is wonderful news. I think that this new service between Latrobe and Orlando will be very successful, just as the traffic to Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach has been this past year," said golf legend and Latrobe native Arnold Palmer, a long-time member of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority which operates the airport that bears his name. "Orlando and Central Florida have so many great attractions and we have a lot to offer visitors here in Western Pennsylvania as well. What an outstanding association this has been for us with Spirit Airlines."

ARNOLD PALMER HONORED BY T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION WITH LIFETIME PHILANTHROPIC AWARD

2011-11-03T15:09:41Z

NEW YORK, NY – Golf legend and philanthropist Arnold Palmer will receive the Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Award from Tony Martell, Founder and Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, at the 36th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, November 3rd at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

]]> The T.J. Martell Foundation has provided more than $250 million in funding to leading research hospitals for innovative, early-stage cancer and AIDS research. The Martell Honors Gala is one of the biggest and most glamorous events of New York City’s fall season bringing together over 1,000 music and entertainment leaders, top business and media executives and celebrities.

T.J., Tony Martell's son for whom the Foundation is named, was an avid golfer in high school with a single-digit handicap. Before passing away, he considered Arnold Palmer to be one of his greatest heroes. He followed Palmer with great interest and should be considered a member of Arnie's Army, if not in body then surely in spirit.

"For a short time, engrossed in Arnie's book, I had T.J. back with me - excited as the golf loving teenager he was. Being a music company executive I had the opportunity to introduce T.J. to many rock stars, but his idol, throughout all his high school and college years was always Arnie Palmer." said Tony Martell, Chairman & Founder. "Mr. Palmer embodies the spirit, generosity, and hope of my beloved T.J., making November 3rd the high point of all our past Gala honorees."

For nearly a half century, Arnold Palmer's charismatic personality, swashbuckling style of golf and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world.

Palmer and his late wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including serving as honorary national chairman of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for 20 years, nature conservation, cancer prevention and women's and children's health. He has founded the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located, which in just over two decades has risen from a community hospital serving Central Florida to an internationally-known health care institution, now ranked as one of the country’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report.

"This is a wonderful honor to receive from an organization that so generously gives to such an admirable cause." said Palmer. "I am so pleased, especially for the relationship our hospital and community hope to establish with the T.J. Martell Foundation."

Latrobe, Pa.: Perfect spot to just wind down

2011-10-31T22:21:17Z

Courtesy of NorthJersey.com - Sunday, October 30, 2011 - BY SHANNON ROXBOROUGH SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

In Latrobe, Pa., a town of 9,000 tucked into the foothills of the Allegheny Plateau in the western part of the state, it is easy for people to forget about the hectic pace they left back home.

About an hour east of Pittsburgh on Loyalhanna Creek, a 50mile-long tributary of the Kiskiminetas River, its sequestered atmosphere and abundant nature make it seem much more remote than the reality of its geography.

Henry Stahl, 48, who is divorced, lives in Teaneck and works in the financial industry in Manhattan, finds the town’s quiet quality a much-needed counterweight to his demanding professional life. For Stahl, it’s a place where his busiest days are spent wandering the scenic backcountry, lolling on his porch hammock and sipping “dirt-cheap but drinkable” wine, his favorite Tisdale brand merlot.

“It’s very peaceful with so much open space,” said Stahl. “And you can’t beat the prices.” Taking advantage of those costs, this year he paid $131,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house on an acre of land. He visits on weekends to soak up the town’s biggest selling points: its pastoral nature and feeling of remoteness.

]]> Stahl recalled looking for a place that was quieter than popular vacation spots and less expensive than traditional, well-established second-home digs. The first time he drove into the area Stahl said he was “shocked” by just how quaint and restful it was. “I’d never experienced that sense of relief or smelled air quite that fresh before. I knew it was perfect for me to get the type of rest I need.”

Far from constant hustle and bustle, Latrobe is situated in the Laurel Highlands, a rural region of gently rolling hills, fertile farmland, babbling streams and small communities scattered throughout a picture-postcard tri-county area.

Despite having a topography every bit as scenic and weekendworthy as the Pocono Mountains, and much less crowded and artificial, it receives only a fraction of the attention.

Which is not to say that the still-sleepy landscape has no claims to fame. Latrobe, for example, is the hometown of Arnold Palmer and Mister Rogers; the birthplace of pro football, the banana split and Rolling Rock beer; hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ annual training camp; and was even visited by then-Sen. Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

Even so, the town is only gradually coming into its own as a destination. Of the weekend surge of nature-seeking humanity that streams out of New York City and North Jersey heading west on Route 80, few continue past the Poconos. But increasing numbers are trickling into Latrobe and its neighbors from metropolitan Pittsburgh, eastern Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia. Some are buying houses here for use as tranquil hideaways.

Contributing to the town’s rural character is that much of the land around Latrobe is protected by the state and federal governments, making it permanently off-limits to residential and commercial development while ensuring myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Mom-and-pop shops

Many residents, weekenders and tourists appreciate springs and summers filled with hiking, paddling and trout fishing, pleasant autumn days swathed in a rainbow of lush foliage, and winter daytrips to Seven Springs (7springs.com) and Hidden Valley (hiddenvalleyresort.com), where they strap on their skis and snowboards for adrenaline-pumping fun.

In town, people eat, drink, shop and do business on its old-fashioned Main Street, which is lined with mom-and-pop establishments that manage to look and feel surprisingly non-commercial with their wittingly informal ambience. Locals tend to move at a leisurely amble, in contrast to the customary hurried clip that many visitors are accustomed to.

“There are signs that Latrobe has a very bright future in store, the most visible being Arnie’s [Palmer] investment in a hotel [the Springhill Suites by Marriott] that is being developed near Latrobe Country Club,” said Stahl. “After it opens next summer, I have a feeling that it won’t be very long before the town gains much more of a reputation as a nice place to spend time. When that does happen, everything will change.”

Perks

Affordable real estate. An easygoing, dressed-down and laid-back country atmosphere in a family oriented small town. Easy access to vast expanses of Mother Nature. Watching the Pittsburgh Steelers practice at St. Vincent College’s Chuck Noll Stadium and Field.

Drawbacks

While Latrobe has much for a town its size, finding big-box stores, shopping malls and urbane entertainment offerings requires travel.

The weather

Four distinct seasons with mild summers and cold, snowy winters.

The costs

The average listing price is $194,920 and the median sales price is only $118,500, an 18.6 percent decline since a year ago.

Getting there

Take I-80 west to Exit 161 and continue on the Appalachian Thruway (I-99 south) toward Altoona, then take Exit 28 onto William Penn Highway (U.S.-22). Turn left on PA-981 south and continue into Latrobe. The trip takes about six hours. Alternatively, fly into Pittsburgh and then drive to town.

Where to stay

Wingate by Wyndham Latrobe ($109.65 and up; 724-539-0400; wingatehotels.com) has clean, comfortable rooms.

Must see

Latrobe Art Center (latrobeartcenter. org) holds showings, events, classes and workshops.

For more information

The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (laurelhighlands.org) is a comprehensive regional information resource.

Arnold Palmer, Concord Hospitality to Build Springhill Suites Hotel in Latrobe, Pa.

2010-07-27T22:19:52Z

"Green" Hotel Expected to Open in 2011

LATROBE, PA./RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., July 27, 2010 – Officials of a joint venture that includes Palmer Hospitality, L.P, owned by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation's top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, and Keith H. McGraw, a Sewickley, Pa.-based Concord partner, today announced plans to build a 109-suite Springhill Suites by Marriott hotel in Latrobe, Pa. Located near the intersection of Route 30 and Route 981, the four-story hotel will be directly across from one of the area's largest employers, Kennarnetal Inc., and in close proximity to Latrobe Country Club, Palmer's home course.

"I've wanted to build a hotel for some time to complement the country club, working with the right kind of developer and operator," Palmer said. "I found both with Concord. We share the same philosophy and outlook in terms of guest care and attention to detail." Palmer's remarkable golfing career will inspire the hotel's design and will showcase a number of his awards and memorabilia. The hotel will be a LEED-certified prototype that was pioneered by Concord in conjunction with Marriott. Construction is expected to begin in December, with the hotel slated to open towards the end of 2011.

]]> The hotel project is the latest of many economic and civic contributions that Palmer has made to the community where he was born and has spent much of his life. In addition to the employment provided by the country club and his automobile dealership, he has been closely involved with the local hospital and other health-care facilities in the area and created the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, a community park dedicated to his late wife. The major county airport bears his name.

"The mid-priced, all-suite concept is ideal for this market," said Mark G. Laport, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. "Its spacious suites with separate areas for sleeping, working and relaxing are well-suited for golfers and other leisure guests, as well as for business travelers visiting the area. It also will have strong appeal for social functions held at the country club." Other area attractions include St. Vincent College, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, Fallingwater, Idlewild Park, historic Ligonier and the year-round activities in the Laurel Highland Mountains. The smoke-free hotel will feature complimentary daily breakfast buffet, in-suite microwave and mini-fridge, pull-out sofa bed, free high-speed Internet access, swimming pool and whirlpool/spa, fitness room and on-site business services.

About Palmer Hospitality, L.P.
Palmer Hospitality, L.P., is an entity created by Arnold Palmer, the golf professional whose legendary career includes 92 national and international championships, 62 of them on the regular PGA Tour during his prime playing years. These followed an impressive formative amateur career that pealced with his victory in the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship. Most prominent among the professional titles were four Masters, two British Opens and the memorable U.S. Open Championship at Cherry Hills in 1960. For nearly a half century, Palmer has been one ofthe best-Imown sportsmen and businessmen in the world. For more information, please visit www.amoldpalmer.com.

About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., manages over 70 hotels with more than 8,000 guest rooms in 15 states and two Canadian providences. The company operates under such well-known industry elite brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Choice Hotels, is an approved franchisee for Starwood, and also operates an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985, Concord was recently listed as one ofthe top management companies in the nation by independent sources, and recently won Marriott's elite Partnership Circle award for the sixth time. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 30 honors in the past two years alone, including Marriott's Hotel of the Year and Developer of the Year awards. For more information, visit www.concordhotels.com.

GREATER PITTSBURGH GOLF PREMIERE AT PALMER'S LATROBE COUNTRY CLUB TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

2010-05-20T22:24:47Z

LATROBE, PA – On Monday June 7, Arnold Palmer will be the Premiere Honoree for the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Premiere which raises funds for the Western Pennsylvania Region of the American Cancer Society.

The upscale golf outing and dinner will be hosted at Mr. Palmer's summer home course Latrobe Country Club.

The event is the second Western PA Premiere. The first in 2009 was at Sewickley Heights CC in Pittsburgh and it honored Pittsburgh TV news anchor Peggy Finnegan and the area's most famous and successful woman amateur golfer Carol Semple Thompson.

The 2010 event is expected to raise more than the $130,000 made in 2009.

PALMER RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

2009-09-30T17:31:25Z

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today at 1:30pm, Arnold Palmer will stop at the White House where President Barack Obama will sign into law The Congressional Gold Medal honoring the golf legend.

]]> Photo Credit: White House/Samantha Appleton
President Barack Obama signs the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. Looking on from left are: Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, Arnold Palmer, Mrs. Kathleen Palmer, Rep. John Tanner of Tennessee, Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado, Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and Rep. Joe Baca of California (at front). Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton.

The award will make Palmer the first sports person in history to receive all 3 of the United States highest civilian honors including the National Sports Award from former President Bill Clinton in 1993 (a one-time award) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President George W. Bush in 2004.

"I don't know that I've done anything to deserve it, but I accept," Mr. Palmer said yesterday from his office at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla. "That's pretty fantastic."

The Congressional Gold Medal was first given to George Washington in 1776 and to 141 exemplary Americans since. "I didn't know George Washington," Palmer said with a grin. "But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, 'You're the first, and I won't be the last.'"

Palmer will become the fifth athlete to receive the honor from Congress, which is considered the highest expression of national appreciation for achievements and contributions. Byron Nelson is the only other golfer to receive the medal, which was given posthumously in 2006.

The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-California) and first passed the House of Representatives in April and was unanimously passed by the Senate on Palmer's 80th birthday on September 10th. U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., who lives in Orlando, sponsored the Senate bill nominating Mr. Palmer for the medal. Such bills must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the House and 67 in the Senate before even being considered in the respective chambers.

"Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers," said Rep. Baca. "Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others."

Arnold Palmer's charismatic personality, swashbuckling style of golf and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. Palmer and his late wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention and women's and children's health. He has founded the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located, which celebrated it's 20th anniversary on its namesakes' birthday this year.

Adding to the historical significance, one year later to this day, Coast Guardsman vet Palmer received the prestigious Lone Sailor Award in Washington by the U.S. Navy Memorial to Sea Service veterans "who have excelled with distinction at their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment." Palmer told the crowd, "Those three words are what life is all about as far as I'm concerned."

"It's pretty good stuff," Palmer said. "Quite overwhelming."

FOXSports.com: Catching up with The King at his castle

2009-09-11T03:11:09Z

By Adam Schupak, FOXSports.com LATROBE, Pa. - Arnold Palmer rises from his regular lunch table in the men's grill at Latrobe Country Club. Heads turn and Palmer returns smiles as he approaches the table where I'm seated with his grandson and star pupil, Will Wears, to learn how the 14-year-old played this morning. Palmer stands behind Will's chair, places those great big oven mitts of his on the boy's shoulders, and asks: "So, what did you shoot today?" With a tinge of disappointment in his voice, Will reports carding another ho-hum 73, matching the score he posted to win Latrobe's junior club championship in July. It wasn't quite the sterling 68 he had crafted recently while partnering with grandpa in a match. Read the full story at FOXsports.com

SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER

2009-09-10T05:32:39Z

Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to Golfing Legend, Awaits President’s Signature into Law

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.

]]> “Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers,” said Rep. Baca. “Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others.”

“Arnold Palmer served his country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has spent countless hours dedicated to improving the lives of others,” continued Rep. Baca. “He and his beloved wife Winnie did amazing work for numerous charities, including the March of Dimes, children’s hospitals, and prostate cancer research. Arnold is a humble man who loved his children and family, and never forgot where he came from. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for honoring a legend who has given so much, and I urge the President to quickly sign this recognition into law.”

Arnold Palmer’s magnetic personality and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. He has been the recipient of countless honors including virtually every national award in golf and both the Hickok Athlete of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year awards. He was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll. In addition, Arnold Palmer spoke before a joint session of Congress in March of 1990, in commemoration of the 100th birthday of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Through his charitable foundation, Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention, and women’s and children’s health. He has also founded both the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida.

“I have had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer,” added Rep. Baca. “My son, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., was also in attendance. Walking those eighteen holes with Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only is he a golf legend, but he also is a genuine person with a great sense of humor.”

“I truly believe that Arnold Palmer is deserving of this honor, and it is fitting the Senate passed this legislation on the eve of his 80th birthday,” continued Rep. Baca. “But it’s not just about his success on the links. Arnold also has contributed significantly to American society and culture and is an outstanding role model, especially for young people.”

Congressman Baca currently serves as a Member of the House Professional Sports Caucus, and Chair of the Caucus’ Golf Committee.

###

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER

2009-09-10T05:01:20Z

Born September 10, 1929 to Milfred Jerome (Deacon) and Doris Palmer is Arnold Daniel Palmer.

]]> Some September 10th birthday highlights in Arnold Palmer's life include:

1966 -- Palmer, 37, becomes agitated by meddling tasks given to him by Winnie in order to distract him from Secret Service men surreptitiously prowling the Latrobe countryside. Unbeknownst to Palmer, they were there to assure the safety of one of the most powerful and popular men in the world who flew to Latrobe for a surprise birthday visit. And for the first time in his life, Palmer’s plane is flown without him or his knowledge -- pilot Darrell Brown flies it to Gettysburg to pick up President Dwight Eisenhower for a surprise visit. "I was oblivious to it all," Palmer says, “until I answered the door and found General Eisenhower standing there with an overnight bag. ‘Say, you wouldn’t have room to put up an old man for the night, would you?’ One of the nicest weekends of my life followed. It was the thrill of a lifetime."
1972 -- Tournament volunteers at Firestone Country Club arrange for a birthday cake and surprise party for Palmer, 43, as he served as a commentator for NBC Sports during the World Series of Golf.
1989 -- The 255-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando opens to great fanfare. The first baby is born within hours after the ribbon cutting. Within 15 years, more than 100,000 children will be born in the Palmer hospital. Long-time friend Bob Hope serves as emcee at one of Palmer's 60th birthday events.
1993 -- Parade Magazine publishes a Hoest & Reiner cartoon that shows a disgruntled man telling his wife, “The doctor wasn’t in . . . His office is closed for Arnold Palmer’s birthday.”
1995 -- Palmer concludes the last round of the GTE Northwest Classic at Inglewood C.C. in Inglewood, California, with a stellar 66. It is on his 66th birthday and is noted for being the first time he’s ever shot his age.
2005 -- Palmer celebrates his 76th at the wedding of his granddaughter, Katherine Ann (Katie) Saunders, 23, to James Parker Spears at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the Saunders family's summer home.
2007 -- On his 78th birthday, Palmer is on hand at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe for the unveiling of the Zenos Frudako's statue of him. An exact replica is unveiled across the Atlantic at the Tralee course in Ireland.
Birthday luck? -- What might be most remarkable is that 66 percent of Palmer's aces - 8 of 14 - whose dates are verifiable occurred in September, with five of those being struck between September 3 through 7. Three days after his birthday Palmer carded his best score ever, a 60, at Latrobe Country Club on September 13, 1969.

As the legend turns 80, many articles have been published by the media celebrating the storied career and life of the all-american Arnold Palmer.

ArnoldPalmer.com

August 14, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Announces Gift Registry Honoring its Namesakes’ 80th Birthday
August 26, 2009 -- Palmer Celebrates 80th Birthday with Style
August 31, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Caring
September 10, 2009 -- SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER
September 10, 2009 -- HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER

Golf Digest

September 2009 Issue

Arnold at 80 by Editor Jerry Tarde -- Read full story
Cover Story: Palmer In His Prime - As Arnold turns 80, it's time to savor the skill and charisma that changed golf
Birthday Greetings for Arnie -- Read full story

USGA Museum

The Arnold Palmer Memory Book -- This site is dedicated to the fans of Arnold Palmer. It is a place for all who have a story to tell about this remarkable man and athlete. We encourage you to share your personal memories - as words, images, or videos - with others who admire, honor, and cherish Arnold Palmer as he approaches his 80th birthday.

Kingdom Magazine

Palmer Foreward - A year, and a lifetime, to remember
Q&A - The King Reflects - The King sits down with Chris Rodell, reflects on a lifetime of achievements and looks forward to more
80 Most Significant Moments by Chris Rodell

USA Today

September 2, 2009

Arnold Palmer: Remembering 80 Years - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
'The camera fell in love with Arnold Palmer' - By Michael Hiestand, USA Today
Surprise! Eisenhower visit marked Palmer's 37th birthday - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
With fame, everybody knows Palmer's name - From staff reports, USA Today
Palmer, 'a character' and 'competitor,' still searching for perfect swing - By Steve DiMeglio, USA Today
Photo gallery: Images of Palmer at home in PA

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

September 9, 2009 -- Love of Palmer par for the course 'A treasure to the game of golf and a gift to mankind' by Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Desert Sun - Palm Springs

September 10, 2009 -- Happy 80th, Arnold Palmer

The Los Angeles Times

September 9, 2009 -- Golfer Arnold Palmer, 80, remains a game-changer

Reuters UK

September 10, 2009 -- Golf-Tributes pour in for 'King' Palmer on his 80th birthday

The State - South Carolina

September 10, 2009 -- Arnie's army celebrates 80

LIFE Magazine

August 18, 2009 -- Top 10 Greatest Golfers of All Time

PALMER CELEBRATES 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH STYLE

2009-08-26T20:46:55Z

This September 10th, 2009 legendary golfer and philanthropist Arnold Palmer celebrates his 80th birthday in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of his namesake hospital. The hospital opened in 1989 as the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, becoming children-only in 2006 when the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies opened.

The milestone birthday will be ushered in with a week long celebration beginning in Orlando and then heading to his native state of Pennsylvania.

]]> The festivities will begin with a hospital birthday breakfast with Palmer on Friday, Sept. 4. On Saturday the 5th, Palmer will be the main guest at the Party at the Portofino Bay Hotel where his unparalleled commitment in support of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center will be honored.

The next week Palmer will fly his Cessna Citation X to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA and on Tuesday, September 8th he will attend a dinner at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, home of the Pirates. Before dinner, Palmer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Pirates play against the Chicago Cubs. That night will be Arnold Palmer Bobblehead Night at PNC Park and will mark the first time Palmer has been honored with a bobblehead created in his likeness. The following day Palmer will participate in a golf outing and dinner in his honor at Laurel Valley Golf Club.

And to celebrate his actual birthday on September 10th? Palmer and some of his closest friends will tee it up at his home course, Latrobe Country Club.

USGA MUSEUM LAUNCHES ARNOLD PALMER MEMORY BOOK

2009-05-18T21:38:30Z

The United States Golf Association is inviting the public to participate in a very special project to celebrate a true sporting legend and a great American.

Arnold Palmer will be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 10, 2009. To honor the occasion, the USGA Museum has launched an online Arnold Palmer Memory Book. The purpose of the Web site is to collect personal stories and memories of Arnold, and allow the public to view other fans’ appreciation of him. Fans can submit their reflections about Arnold in the form of words, images or video.

]]> Arnold’s influence on the game of golf and sports in America has been felt for many years. Collectively, these testimonials will document the remarkable contributions Arnold has made to golf, not simply as a player, but as the embodiment of all that is honorable and exceptional about the game.

“Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to meet him, it seems that almost everyone in and around the game has their own Arnold Palmer story,” said USGA Director of Communications & Museum Rand Jerris. “Perhaps he was a childhood hero, maybe you once saw him play, or you just have a favorite story about him. The key is that we’re looking for personal stories – honest, from-the-heart sentiments that capture the essence of what Arnold Palmer has meant to the game.”

Later this year, the USGA Museum will edit and assemble the very best submissions into a bound volume, for presentation to Arnold as an 80th birthday present.

To participate in the Arnold Palmer Memory Book, log on to usgamuseum.com/arnoldpalmer .