Palmer still draws an army of fans
By Bill Kwon
Special to The Advertiser
If golf had a national treasure, it would be Arnold Palmer.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
His magnetism was still apparent in the Turtle Bay Championship.
Kathleen and Arnold Palmer were mobbed by fans after the final round of the Turtle Bay Championship.
When was the last time that the largest gallery — other than watching Hale Irwin in the final threesome — followed a threesome starting the day last on the leaderboard?
Palmer shot an 80 yesterday to finish with a 54-hole 239 — 23 strokes over par. But he didn't finish last.
A proud man, Palmer was disappointed about his play. Never mind that he is 75.
Asked if Arnie's Local Army will see him again, Palmer replied: "I really don't have plans for the future. I've been playing so poorly."
The next sighting of "The King" will be at the Wendy's Champions Skins Game on Saturday at Wailea, Maui, where he hopes to play better, Palmer said. He will be joined by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Craig Stadler.
"I've had a great two weeks (here) with the exception of the golf. It has taken some of the joy I've had out of it," said Palmer, who married Kathleen Gawthrop on Wednesday in a ceremony at the Turtle Bay Resort.
The crowds still adored him and Palmer appreciated it, staying long after finishing his round to sign autographs.
Someone asked him, "What do you think of the course?"
"Fine," said Palmer, eliciting a loud laugh from the crowd, well aware that he designed the golf course.
