The Greenbrier is mourning the death of one of the great icons of the game of golf and an American legend, Arnold Palmer, who passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the age of 87.
Palmer has a long history with The Greenbrier, first visiting the property with his family nearly 60 years ago and playing golf with the legendary Sam Snead, The Greenbrier’s longtime Golf Professional and first Golf Professional Emeritus. Palmer picked up his first professional victory at America’s Resort in a Pro-¬Am tournament in 1954, winning $750 along with an amateur named Spencer Olin. He made numerous visits to White Sulphur Springs after that and played rounds on The Greenbrier’s world class courses. Palmer was recently teaming with Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino on designing a new mountaintop golf course on The Greenbrier’s property that will be the only collaboration with the four legends. Palmer was at The Greenbrier for the groundbreaking of that course last fall.
“It breaks all of our hearts at The Greenbrier to lose Arnold Palmer. What an incredible golfer, but more so, what an incredible human being –The King. I’m so proud that I had the chance to know him and work with him. We’re certainly going to miss him. We’re obviously sad that Arnold Palmer won’t get to see the completion of the new course, but we’re honored that he’s been such a big part of its planning. We will continue to work with his design team, as well as the other legends, and will work harder than ever to make sure the new course properly honors Arnold Palmer’s legacy. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of Arnold Palmer’s family and friends.” ¬–Jim Justice, Owner and CEO, The Greenbrier
