You know him from the delicious beverage bearing his name made with iced tea and lemonade.
Arnold Palmer (1929-2016) is also one of the most beloved professional golfers.
His first victory came at the 1955 Canadian Open. He went on to win seven major championships including the Masters Tournament four times.
After retiring from professional golf, Palmer designed more than three hundred courses.
In 1990, Palmer teamed up with movie giant Clint Eastwood and other investors to acquire the Pebble Beach Company and its world-class golf courses. Their intention is to never sell.
A group of businessmen had an opportunity to play golf with Palmer some years ago, according to legend. They asked him about the best moment of his career.
Palmer told the story of winning the 1960 U.S. Open in front of his father, Deacon Palmer, a former golf course groundskeeper. After his win, the elder Palmer told his son, "You're getting too big for your britches. Treat everyone the same, no matter who they are or how you're feeling, and life will take care of itself."
“Ever since that day,” Palmer said, “I have tried to treat everyone the same. I have tried to shake every hand and sign every autograph, and my life has been magical.”
When Palmer died in 2016, Forbes magazine estimated he was the third highest grossing professional athlete ever (after Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods) despite winning only $3.6 million in prize-money. Forbes guessed Palmer earned another $875 million by capitalizing on his personal brand through golf course design, licensing and endorsements.
The Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation continues to champion Palmer's legacy.
