The death of Arnold Palmer over the weekend at the age of 87 got us wondering whether the beloved champion golfer had ever played in Wellesley, and indeed he did.
As noted in a Wellesley Townsman article from 2010 about the Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade, during which Wellesley Country Club was honored with a Special Recognition Award, Arnold Palmer played at the club for a Jimmy Fund function during the 1970s.
Longtime Wellesley resident and current WCC member Bob Hinchliffe recalls the event:
“I was delighted to spend time with Arnie that day he played at the Wellesley Country Club for the Jimmy Fund. He was gracious and down to earth, with a constant smile, and really seemed to enjoy talking with everyone. He played one hole with each threesome, then moved on to the next group, so throughout the day he was able to play with a number of people. He chatted with all the golfers as they walked and played together, leaving a lot of warm memories.”
This is so great to see. I grew up in Wellesley and have both caddied and played the club many times. I now work for the PGA TOUR and am thrilled to share this with the team as we are in the throws of creating rememberances. Great picture too!! John Wolf
Thanks for the comment John. I have to say, that expression on Arnie’s face is exactly the expression I always associate with him…