Arnold Palmer’s influence extended across the entire golf world, and even into the state of Maine on a few occasions.
The legendary golfer died on Sunday at the age of 87.
Palmer made at least three golf-related appearances in Maine. In 1971 and 1972, he played in exhibition golf matches at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono.
Then, in 1986, Palmer was victorious at the Union Mutual Seniors Golf Classic, which was held at the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth.
During the summer of 1972, Palmer appeared in Maine for the second straight year to play in a charity match the proceeds from which benefited the March of Dimes Fund.
Bangor Daily News Outdoor Editor Bud Leavitt reported on Aug. 22, 1972, that an estimated crowd of 3,000 area golf fans turned out at PVCC to watch Palmer and Portland golf pro John Mills Jr. take on tour pro Doug Sanders and PVCC standout Rick Ambrose.
Palmer and Mills won the match-play competition 3 and 2.
“I am so happy for a chance to come back here,” Palmer said. ‘I had a good time a year ago and these people work terribly hard to raise money for the March of Dimes. If Doug and I can help, and folks want us to come back, then certainly the pleasure is all ours.”
Arnold and Sanders were gearing up for a pair of pro tournaments scheduled that year at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
Palmer fired an eagle, four birdies and a single bogey (on the fifth hole) during his 5-under-par round of 67. Sanders shot 72, while Mills carded a 71 and Ambrose a 73.
Perhaps the hole of the day, according to Leavitt, was Palmer’s effort on No. 16. He reportedly hit a 1-iron to within two feet and sank the putt for a birdie.
With Palmer’s heyday as a competitive golfer having long ended, he nonetheless won the Union Mutual Seniors tournament at Purpoodock.
Palmer earned a three-stroke victory over Don January by shooting a 3-under 68 that left him 13 under for the 54-hole tournament.
He created a buzz with his final-round effort on the par-5 16th hole, a double dogleg. Palmer cleared the trees with a fairway wood and put the ball within eight feet of the hole, according to a report by The Associated Press.
He two-putted for an eagle that helped him secure the win and the $38,000 winner’s check.
Palmer also worked with author Jim Dodson, formerly of Topsham, who co-authored an autobiography of the golfing great called, “A Golfer’s Life” in 1999.