North: Why Arnold Palmer remains an all-time favorite
The Masters is here and once again it's time for me to pay tribute to Arnold Palmer.
The 86-year-old legend has been one of the honorary starters of the tournament, and this year he was unable to make the ceremonial tee shot for the first time since he started doing it in 2007. Even so, his presence was enough to make the fans happy as he posed for pictures with the other honorary starters, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, who was quite emotional on that first tee as he eyed the aging Palmer.
I call Palmer my "first star" because that's what he was to me, and he still is.
He was simply the first man I can remember seeing on TV. I was only 5 or 6 years old at the time, and I was deeply impressed with everything about him. I can't recall what tournament he was playing, but it was in the morning and my dad said years later it probably was Shell's Wonderful World of Golf.
Anyway, he was the first real star I watched, and since then the procession of stars hasn't stopped. Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Gale Sayers, Joe Namath, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan and hundreds and even thousands of players I've enjoyed watching, but Palmer was the first!
I'm sure the same thing is occurring today, and some young kid watching Bubba Watson or Jordan Spieth will become entranced and will feel the way I do about Palmer.
I imagine I'm not alone with my affection for Palmer either; he was beloved by millions around the world and still is. I have loved the guy for 57 years and can only hope Mr. Palmer lives to be 100 years old.
I'm not embarrassed to admit that it will be one of the saddest days of my life when he moves on to the next life.
Now, ask anybody who religiously followed Palmer what they thought of Jack Nicklaus. Sure, we love Jack now, but back then it was a vicious rivalry.
I know as time passed they developed the ultimate respect for each other, but I believe Nicklaus always sensed what Palmer meant to golf. I think it took time for Palmer to begrudgingly realize what Nicklaus meant to the game, too.
Arnie was a little like LeBron James is now, but a more established winner and definitely more charismatic. Nicklaus showed up and knocked the King off his throne just like Stephen Curry has taken the mantle from James.
Arnold Palmer and Michael Jordan, who know each other well, are also similar with their presence and star power. When Jordan is 75 years old, he will still be beloved, just like Palmer is today.
Will LeBron? Probably not.
A salute to my "first star," the great Arnold Palmer.
Program notes:
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