We at C. Forbes, Inc. were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Arnold Palmer. When “The “King of Golf” died Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the age of 87, it truly was the end of an era. Most of us are fans of the sport and its rich history, and feel the loss of a man who transcended the sport he played so well. The accolades describing him are far ranging and include not only his achievements on the course, but perhaps more so, of those off. He was a businessman, philanthropist, advertising spokesman, golf course designer and experienced aviator.
Inspiration for Future Endeavors
Among the highlights of Arnold’s storied career, were the victories he achieved at eight major tournaments. When C. Forbes, Inc. updated our website in 2015, we chose a Limited Edition coaster medallion set entitled “My Eight Majors” to highlight our Custom Products portfolio. Each sculpted medallion and accompanying booklet chronicled the details of those major victories. During his tenure at Fletcher-Barnhardt & White, Chip Forbes was so inspired with the detailed sculpting process and unmatched craftsmanship of this commissioned set, that medallic designs became a cornerstone of C. Forbes, Inc. when it was founded in 1998. Not only did we choose this custom
creation for its own unique qualities, but also for the uniqueness and
class of the man it celebrated.
- 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship – Country Club of Denver
- 1958 Masters Tournament – Augusta National Golf Club
- 1960 Masters Tournament – Augusta National Golf Club
- 1960 U.S. Open Championship – Cherry Hills Golf Club
- 1961 British Open Championship – Royal Birkdale Golf Club
- 1962 Masters Tournament – Augusta National Golf Club
- British Open Championship – Troon Golf Club
- 1964 Masters Tournament – Augusta National Golf Club
Arnold’s last Masters was played in 2004, and he hit the ceremonial tee shot every year until 2016, when failing health prohibited his participation. In addition to his majors, Arnold had 62 PGA Tour wins. The major victory that eluded him was the PGA Championship, one short of capturing a career Grand Slam.
Arnie’s Army
It was during his dominance of the sport during the 1960’s, and “go for broke” style, that his legions of fans earned the name of “Arnie’s Army.” Today, Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation provides financial support to institutions and organizations that help children, youth, families, the environment and communities. Please visit www.arniesarmy.org/umbrella for more information.
After humbly accepting the highest civilian awards given in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012, Arnold signed autographs for hundreds waiting outside the White House and U.S. Capitol. He treated people with warmth and respect, comfortable with presidents and strangers alike, making every fan feel like an old friend.
A Lasting Legacy
A statement from the U.S. Golf Association, summarized a lifetime of achievement for “golf’s greatest ambassador. Arnold Palmer will always be a champion, in every sense of the word. He inspired generations to love golf by sharing his competitive spirit, displaying sportsmanship, caring for golfers and golf fans, and serving as a lifelong ambassador for the sport. Our stories of him not only fill the pages of golf’s history books and the walls of the museum, but also our own personal golf memories. The game is indeed better because of him, and in so many ways, will never be the same.”
C. Forbes, Inc. offers our condolences to the Palmer family, while feeling privileged to have witnessed his unique contributions.