I didn’t grow up playing golf, and just recently returned to the game five years after the loss of my wife, Teresa.  At age 14 (1968), I distinctly remember thinking it shouldn’t be that difficult to hit the little white ball with my brand new Northwestern golf clubs.  Bag, clubs and a dozen X-outs set me back about $90.  Sorry, dad, but “Tin Cup” aside, there is a benefit to good equipment, but that’s another story.  The golfer I modeled my swing after was Jack Nicklaus, my favorite golfer for probably twenty-four years.

In 1992 I was fortunate enough to be working at Mauna Lani Resort, which position allowed my wife, Teresa, and I the opportunity to attend the Senior Skins cocktail reception at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.  Since my father-in-law’s favorite golfer was Arnold Palmer, we had to capture the moment on film.  Mr. Palmer was entertaining a table of 8, including Jerry Johnston, the Mauna Lani golf pro.  As each woman approached the table, Arnold rose from his seat to greet them.  I don’t recall any of the other men at the table following suit.  I asked Mr. Palmer if he would take a picture with Teresa for her father, and still chuckle remembering him snuggling up to my beautiful, 29-year-old wife.  I only had to caution him once:  “that’s close enough, Arnie”.

That night I do recall seeing Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino, ever so briefly.  No one probably expected Raymond Floyd to emerge from his top pick of the oceanfront bungalows, and he did not disappoint.  Maybe the added rest helped Floyd win the skins game, but the man that won my life long admiration was Arnold Palmer.  It was not until that night that I understood the phrase “golf’s ambassador” and the love and loyalty of “Arnie’s Army”.  Forty years from now I will still respect Mr. Palmer for the humility and politeness he displayed.  I can only hope that my children may someday have celebrity heroes as endearing as Arnie.  Thank you, Mr. Palmer.

Sincerely,

Pvt. Allen Zielinski