There are legends in sport, and then there’s Arnold Palmer. For those of us fortunate enough to have witnessed his impact on golf, we know he transcended the game in ways that continue to resonate today, nearly a decade after his passing in 2016.

I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing with Mr. Palmer on four separate occasions throughout my career. I can attest that the man behind the myth was every bit as genuine as his public persona suggested. Each interaction revealed the same qualities that endeared him to millions: humility, authenticity, and an unwavering dedication to treating people with respect regardless of their station in life.

What made Palmer extraordinary wasn’t just his 62 PGA TOUR victories or his seven major championships. It was how he won—with a go-for-broke style that captivated galleries and television audiences alike. While other golfers played with clinical precision, Palmer played with his heart on his sleeve, hitching his pants, flicking his cigarette, and charging up fairways with a swashbuckling abandon that drew fans into his orbit. He didn’t just have fans; he had an “Army.”

Nearly 15 years ago, my wife and I attended a dinner at Bay Hill, at which Mr. Palmer was inducted into our North Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame. This was one of several opportunities I had to chat with the King. 

What truly set Palmer apart was his transformation of golf from an exclusive pastime into a sport for everyone. As the son of a greenskeeper from working-class Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he shattered the perception that golf belonged only to the privileged elite. His timing couldn’t have been more perfect—arriving just as television brought tournaments into America’s living rooms.

Viewers across the country were captivated not just by his aggressive play but by his everyman charisma and authenticity. When millions watched Palmer charge down the fairway, they didn’t merely see a talented athlete; they recognized someone who looked, spoke, and carried himself like them—a hero who made them believe they, too, belonged in a game that had previously seemed beyond their reach.

His impact extended far beyond the course. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies have saved countless lives. His involvement with the USGA and his namesake tournament at Bay Hill have advanced the game immeasurably. The Arnold Palmer Invitational remains one of golf’s most prestigious events, carrying on his commitment to excellence and charity.

For me personally, as someone who began playing at age five nearly 45 years ago and eventually became a PGA Professional, Palmer’s influence has been immeasurable. When I first entered the industry in high school, his example of treating everyone—from caddies to CEOs—with equal respect shaped my approach to customer service and professional conduct. His unfailing politeness, eye contact, and genuine interest in people’s stories set a standard I’ve always aspired to meet.

This hangs in my car to this day. These buttons were given out to patrons at the Masters the first year after Mr. Palmer’s passing.

What I remember most vividly from our conversations was his uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. Despite his legendary status, he listened intently and engaged thoughtfully. In an era of carefully crafted public images, Palmer was refreshingly authentic.

Palmer understood that golf, at its best, builds character and community. He embodied qualities the game holds dear: integrity, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His philanthropic efforts reflected his belief that success brings responsibility. Even as his playing career waned, his influence grew through business ventures, charitable work, and ambassadorship.

As we watch the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week, we’re reminded not just of a golfer but of a man who forever changed the game’s landscape. His legacy isn’t simply in record books or trophies but in how he connected with people and made golf more inclusive, exciting, and meaningful.

For those of us who work in this wonderful game, Arnold Palmer remains our north star—a reminder that how we treat people ultimately matters more than any scorecard or handicap index. That may be his greatest legacy of all.

Snapped this picture when playing at Bay Hill the year after Mr. Palmer’s passing.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

Reader, please support me by checking out my three weekly columns on RG.org. On Mondays, I present “The Starter,” which recaps the week gone by in golf. On Thursdays, I give you “Fairway Focus,” which previews the week to come in golf. And on Saturdays, I dish up the “Weekend Fore-cast,” a look at what’s on tap for the upcoming weekend.