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GOLF: PGA TOUR: Finally, some time with Arnie

/noticias.info/ By John Maginnes, PGATOUR.com Contributor

ORLANDO -- He came out of the Bay Hill Lodge on Saturday afternoon with the familiar swagger that has delighted generations of golf fans. The step is a little slower, perhaps, but none of the fans surrounding the putting green cared.

Arnold Palmer stopped and talked to Phil Mickelson as he hit a few last putts before his call to the tee. A firm handshake and a quiet word were exchanged, then Arnie made his way across the cart path to the driving range. Applause grew from the grandstand as the King came into sight. He sauntered over to the long table at the back of the driving range where the volunteers were handing out buckets of range balls. Arnie shook everyone's hand and called several of them by name.

Then Arnie walked over to where Fred Couples was practicing. Freddy stopped hitting balls and began talking with the King. Freddy had spoken early in the week about how much he enjoyed seeing Arnie in the locker room. He even expressed some regret for skipping the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard last year. I know that moment on the range was particularly special.

Tiger Woods was next. The normal steely veneer of the world's No. 1 crumbled as the King extended his hand. Tiger rested his club against his bag and two of the most recognizable smiles in all of sports were on display. The conversations on the range were brief but it was easy to see that Arnie's presence was more than appreciated. His ability to impact the most basic situation like a warm-up session is incredible.

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Palmer for the first time later that glorious Saturday morning. I have met many of my heroes, but the stars had never aligned with this one until the King came over to our tent on the edge of the driving range to record an interview to be aired later on the PGA TOUR Network on XM Satellite Radio.

I told him that I grew up with a mutual friend and with a wry smile Arnie told me to, "keep my personal problems to myself." To have the undivided attention of a tournament host is always a privilege. To spend a few minutes with the King, though, is priceless. He was both gracious and engaging. We spoke of the 30 years of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a point of great pride. His face lit up when he talked about the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital and all the great work being done there.

When I mentioned his 29 victories from 1960-1963, the familiar humble smile graced his lined face. The fire in his eyes, though, is still as vivid today as it was nearly a half century ago. He didn't say it, but you could tell he's pleased that no one -- not even the No. 1 player in the game -- has equaled that stretch. He said only that Tiger would eventually rewrite all the record books and no one would argue with him.

Finally, we talked about the expectations that come with being the world's best player. He is one of the few who can empathize with Tiger. Should Tiger ever have any questions about how to handle the fame and the spotlight, he need only call his central Florida neighbor. Mr. Palmer has always conducted himself with grace and still inspires awe in those who are fortunate enough to be in his presence.

As a former TOUR player who is now a member of the media, impartiality is a goal every day. However, when it comes to Mr. Palmer, all the rules go out the window. He is the King and interviewing him on Saturday afternoon was simply the coolest thing that has happened to me during my stint as a broadcaster. notas_de_prensa_archivo