5 facts about Arnold Palmer you probably didn't know
Arnold Palmer is one of the greatest golfers of all time and the legend had his 95th birthday on Tuesday, 10 September. Although it's been eight years since the GOAT departed this world, he left a legacy behind him to follow.
His professional golf journey started in 1954 after triumphing at the US Amateur Championship. A year later, his maiden professional victory came in the 1955 Canadian Open. Following that, he played 51 years of competitive golf and retired in 2006.
Palmer decided on it after the Champion Tour’s Administaff Small Business Classic, where he withdrew after four holes after being dissatisfied with his performance. He finished the round but didn't keep the score.
In his 51 years of golf tenure, Palmer achieved several feats. Let's take a look at five lesser-known facts about Palmer.
Less known facts about Arnold Palmer’s career
#5. Most consecutive wins in the PGA Tour
Arnold Palmer had the most consecutive wins in the PGA Tour history from 1955 to 1971. The 17-year streak started when his first triumph came at the 1955 Canadian Open and his last win came in the 1971 National Team Championship. In this period, the golfer had seven major victories and a total of 61 wins.
But in 1962, Jack Nicklaus matched Palmer's record. From 1962 to 1978, Nicklaus continued his 17-year streak of consecutive wins and had his final triumph at the 1978 IVB-Philadelphia Golf Classic.
#2. Largest Final Round comeback in the US Open
In the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club, Arnold Palmer started the final round with seven shots behind leader Mike Souchak and was in 15th place. In the last round, he delivered a remarkable performance by shooting 6-under 65 and surpassed Souchak, who had 75 in the last round.
#3. First golfer to win four Masters titles
Arnold Palmer was the first golfer to bag four Masters Tournament titles in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964. But soon, Palmer's record of four Masters titles was outmatched by Jack Nicklaus, who won six titles. His first green jacket came in 1963, followed by another in the same year and others in 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986. Currently, Nicklaus tops the list, Tiger Woods is second with five titles and Palmer is third with four.
#2. 22 Ryder Cup victories
Arnold Palmer won 22 Ryder Cup matches. He lost eight matches and tied twice. He earned a total of 23 points for the USA. However, most Ryder Cup matches were won by Sergio Garcia, totaling 25.
#1. Arnold Palmer designed over 300 golf courses
The legend contributed to designing over 300 courses in 37 different states. Some of his designed courses are Tralee Golf Club, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, The K Club, Sawgrass Country Club, and more.