When legendary golfer Arnold Palmer passed away Sept. 25, his golfing accomplishments alone would have made a nearly unparalleled obituary. Those who have offered eulogy, however, have almost unilaterally spoken not of his golf game, but instead of a man whose warmth and grace were unique, considering his truly larger-than-life stature.
Count Takoma Park, Md., native and former PGA star Fred Funk among that group. The former University of Maryland golf coach spoke to PressBox Sept. 26 from Minnesota, where he is preparing to be part of the radio broadcast for the Ryder Cup. Funk spoke about his friendship and interactions with "The King," echoing how easy it was to be both terrified in Palmer's presence, yet humbled by his kindness.
"I became really, really good friends with Arnie over the years, like he [was] with everybody," Funk said. "He was such a special man. I called Arnie 'The Second Santa Claus.' We had the original Santa Claus, everybody loved Santa Claus. And then Arnie came along and just brought a whole different dimension to the game. ... The reason anybody's doing anything in golf right now is because of Arnie."
