I don’t play golf. I don’t even know that much about golf. But when I heard about the passing of golf “king” Arnold Palmer this week, I was deeply saddened. The day after he died, my local paper devoted a full page to the way he had lived. Arnold Palmer’s story is quite an inspirational one.

He was the son of a country club groundskeeper. It is said that Arnold Palmer transformed the elite game of golf to an “everyman’s sport.”

“He played by the seat of the pants that he regularly hoisted back up to his waist — an everyman gesture that endeared him to duffers around the world. His fans came to be known as Arnie’s Army.”…NBC News

It seems he wasn’t just one of the golf greats, but a genuinely gracious human being. We can all take lessons away from the life Arnold Palmer lived and the example he set…both on and off the course.

Share your personal touch – A story is told about a man who took his infant son to Arnold Palmer’s office hoping for a quick photograph. Palmer gave them so much more. Palmer reached over and took the boy from his father’s arms. After the photo, Palmer sat the boy on down on his desk and played with him for several minutes. He had a way of making you feel welcome, like you’d known each other for years.

“He (Arnold Palmer) had time for the biggest and the smallest.” … Bob Costas

Acknowledge everyone – Golf great Phil Mickelson said he learned lesson after lesson from Arnold Palmer through the years. The most important one: Never walk past anyone without acknowledging them. Arnold Palmer made the unknown fan feel just as important as a celebrity or president. He always made eye contact.

“Making a positive change in the life of a child is one of the most significant things you can do.” …Arnold Palmer

Be an encourager – It is reported that Arnold Palmer spent hours signing photographs for fans who requested them. He also wrote notes of encouragement to young golfers who were just starting out. One such note was written to University of Texas student golfer Gavin Hall, who, at the age of 14, received a letter from Palmer after Palmer noticed him at an invitational in New York. The letter begins: “I was pleased to hear of your recent accomplishments on the golf course…”

Arnold Palmer taught the best way–by example. That’s what makes his memory so rich and well loved.

Is there someone who has been life-inspiring to you?

Here is my beautiful friend Marge Eckerman. She is 85 years amazing. Even in the midst of devastating health issues that kept her homebound for months, Marge still continued to send cards of encouragement to everyone else! She never lost her zeal for life, her faith, or her attitude of gratitude.