PGA Legends Palmer and Nicklaus Reunite in the Desert

Golf royalty Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus visited their respective signature courses at PGA West this week. The two iconic stars played an 18-hole round to celebrate American golf pioneer Ernie Vossler. They don’t get together often, but when they do it’s special.

“It’s a pleasure for me to be here,” said Palmer, a winner of 92 worldwide victories and 7 major championships.

Nicklaus added, “we had a good time, had good fun,” while standing next to Palmer after their rounds. “I shot my age” (72).

The Coachella Valley has seen its fair share of golf star power, but it’s hard to beat the tandem of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The two most decorated players in the history of the game promoted “Ernie’s day” on courses they designed.

Palmer, the 82-year-old legend from Latrobe Pennsylvania, spoke about the Palmer Private course he designed and what makes it different.

“Well, I think the uniqueness of it is, it’s fun to play. The important thing is that the amateurs can enjoy playing here and that’s what I designed this golf course to do…for them to enjoy it. And we can provide the pros with a little competition on it. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Palmer’s signature swing hasn’t changed much, but the game of golf presents a different story. The game has undertaken several changes that Palmer is well aware of.

“Well, I think the major thing is the young people…how far they hit the golf ball, and what is happening in the game. Of course when I was winning the Bob Hope Desert Classic, I was winning about three or four-thousand dollars for first prize. Now they’re winning a million every week. That’s a big change (smiling), and of course it’s great.”

Jack Nicklaus has also witnessed first hand, the sport’s new age transformation. The 18-time major championship winner feels not every change is a good one.

“It’s changed from the stand point that everything is bigger and the golf ball goes further. The players hit it further. The courses are bigger. I don’t know that that’s necessarily a good thing, it just happens to be what the game is. I’d love to see the average golfer and the pro relate to each other a little bit more, but you know we’re seeing a lot of good golfers. There’s a lot of good young players out there. There’s a few good ‘old’ players out there too (looking at Palmer), and we have our fun, right?”

Palmer agreed, “yeah, but we are old.”

“Yes we are, and we’re getting older, thankfully,” added Nicklaus.

“That’s alright. That’s the good news,” laughed Palmer.

These self-proclaimed ‘old guys’ can still play at a high level. Palmer put on a clinic around the green with his short game, as did Nicklaus.

On the back-9 of the Nicklaus Private Course, we saw a little bit of everything. Several autograph sessions, posing for pictures, and even some first hand instruction from a legend. For the record, the man the Golden Bear gave some advice to…hit a great shot.

Cathedral City High School’s Christian McGrath had the immense opportunity to play alongside greatness. Although the “Golden Bear” (Nicklaus) felt Christian’s Greg Norman hat selection didn’t fit the dress code. Jokingly, Nicklaus flipped the hat around to hide the signature shark insignia of Norman before the group took pictures.

Said McGrath, “it was a dream come true. All day I was on cloud 9. You know, when you look over and see the two greatest players to ever play the game, and you’re actually playing golf with them, it was really unbelievable.”

Palmer and Nicklaus finished their rounds to hearty applause and met back up in the clubhouse for more priceless banter.

The two legends don’t often get together and enjoy golf like this. It made it a very unique opportunity.

“We usually play every year at the Par 3 course at Augusta. And then the next time we play is the Par 3 course at Augusta. The next time we play is the Par 3 course at Augusta,” said Nicklaus with a smile.

Palmer added, “we get together a lot,” garnering big laughs from a crowd that had gathered just outside the clubhouse.

A historic event, no doubt. And if you’re wondering…the two have plans to meet once again at The Masters in Augusta, Georgia this April.