Arnie: The Life of Arnold Palmer [9780062439741]

Overview

In this definitive biography, veteran sportswriter Tom Callahan shines a spotlight on one of the greatest golfers ever to play the game, Arnold Palmer.

The winner of more than ninety championships, including four Masters Tournaments, Arnold Palmer was a legend in twentieth century sports: a supremely gifted competitor beloved for his powerful hitting, his nerve on the greens, and his great rapport with fans. Perhaps above all others, Palmer was the reason golf’s popularity exploded, as the King of the links helped define golf’s golden age along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

In addition to his talent on the golf course, Palmer was a brilliant entrepreneur off it, and one of the first sportsmen to create his own successful marketing brand. Forging an alliance with sports agent Mark McCormick, Palmer parlayed his popularity into lucrative deals, and helped pave the way for the multi-million-dollar contracts that have become standard for stars across all sports. But beyond his business acumen, Palmer was always a larger-than-life character, and Arnie recounts a host of unforgettable anecdotes from a long life in the spotlight.

Tom Callahan knew Palmer well for many years, and now pays tribute to this golfing icon. Filled with great stories from the key people in Palmer’s life, Arnie is an entertaining and illuminating portrait of a remarkable man and his extraordinary legacy.

This intimate sports biography reveals the man behind the legend:

• Golf’s Golden Age: Go inside the ropes for the legendary rivalries and friendships with Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Ben Hogan that defined an era of golf.
• A Swashbuckling Hero: Relive the daring, go-for-broke style of play and the powerful charisma that captivated millions and made him the most popular golfer of the twentieth century.
• The Ultimate Sportsman: Learn how Palmer, alongside agent Mark McCormick, transformed his popularity into a pioneering sports marketing empire that changed professional athletics forever.
• An Intimate Portrait: Filled with unforgettable anecdotes, this definitive biography is penned by veteran sportswriter Tom Callahan, who knew Palmer for years and shares a deeply personal tribute.