Golf community bids farewell to Arnold Palmer

It was a sad day for the golf world as they gathered to bid farewell to their golf king. Arnold Palmer was been laid to rest at Saint Vincent College Basilica in Latrobe, Pa. on Tuesday morning.  He died on September 25th at the age of 87. The golf family was also present at his public memorial last week and there were also several friends and family and other famous golf players present. Arnold was well known due to his great golf career that lasted for six decades and his endearing personality.

The funeral proceedings were opened by the ceremonial honor guard for the U.S Coast Guard where Palmer served from 1950-1953. He later turned his attention to competitive golf.  The opening proceedings were led by former LPGA commissioner Charlie Mechem who was Palmer’s neighbor and lifelong friend. Mechem spoke to the congregation and declared that Palmer would not have wished for a tearful ceremony but he would have wished for people to smile.

Other speakers at Arnold’s funeral consisted of Palmer’s grandson; Sam Saunders, Cesna Chairman; Russ Meyer, Sportscaster Jim Nantz and the PGA Tour Commissioner; Tim Finchem. The LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam also gave his tribute. All had something positive to say about Arnold and he was very much recognized by the golf legends. According to Finchem, Palmer was a sporting pioneer who transformed the game for various future generations in the world of golf. He said that even though Arnold was gone he would forever be remembered.

His friend and rival, Jack Nicklaus said that Palmer was his mentor and they were rivals in almost everything. However, they always had each other’s backs. He added that Palmer touched his life in major ways. His grandson said he had so much memories of his grandpa especially in Latrobe. Saunders said that he watched him play golf and also watched him ride sleds down the hill. He also enjoyed watching him at home in his cutoff pants.

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