Arnold Palmer’s legacy celebrated this week with 50th anniversary of final career win
With the PGA Tour in town this week for the American Express, the late great Arnold Palmer is being remembered.
The King finished with 62 wins on the PGA Tour, five of which happened here in the Coachella Valley, including his final professional victory at the 1973 Bob Hope Classic.
This year's tournament marks 50 years since that win.
As many know, Palmer lived at Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta, his desert home and escape.
"Mr. Palmer loved Tradition so much that he chose to live here and we're incredibly grateful to be able to honor his legacy, not only at Tradition, but throughout the valley," said Tesha Vann, Membership and Marketing Director at Tradition Golf Club.
Palmer, originally from Latrobe and by way of Wake Forest University, felt at home at Tradition. But he also did playing in the Bob Hope Classic, which is now named the American Express.
Playing together at the American Express this week are two Wake Forest products, Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris, both ranked inside the top 20 in the world and young superstars on the PGA Tour.
Zalatoris, the World No. 7 and recipient of the Arnold Palmer Scholarship at Wake Forest, spoke to KESQ following his round on Friday.
"You know whenever I get asked why I chose Wake Forest I say 'well, I got offered the Arnold Palmer scholarship so my decision was kind of made for me'," said Zalatoris.
The 26-year-old Zalatoris credits Palmer for his contributions to the game of golf but also for his connection with the fans and community.
"You know there's only one statue on the campus of Wake Forest and it's of Arnold Palmer and obviously everything he did, not only on but off the golf course is something that, especially being a Wake alumni, we try and live up to," said Zalatoris.
Palmer's left a lasting impact for generations to come.
"He was a cherished figure in golf and kind of his unofficial title as a working man's hero, and so it's just a real pleasure to honor his legacy," said Vann.
