COURTESY OF CAPE FEAR COUNTRY CLUB COURTESY OF CAPE FEAR COUNTRY CLUB
Top: Arnold Palmer and Howie Johnson with Azalea Queen Kathryn Grayson after
Palmer’s 1957 Azalea Open win. Above: Arnold Palmer with winner Bob Toski and
Queen Ella Raines in 1954 when Palmer was low amateur.
WBM “ www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com 23
DURING that first year in 1956, I
caddied for him on Tuesday and
Wednesday’s practice rounds before
the start of the four-day tournament
on Thursday. I will never forget
the intensity and force with which he hit the ball. He
didn’t have a classic swing, like tour professionals Ben
Hogan or Gene Littler. I would describe his swing
as more of a journeyman’s approach with immense
strength especially with his woods. His drives were
lightning fast, low off the tee like a bullet and barely
rising. He had developed his own style, and he hit it
straight and pure, right in the screws. It was some-thing
to see. To go with that hard driving, unique
swing, he had a relentless winner’s instinct, and I
knew he would soon be a major champion.
The driver and fairway woods in that era were made
of persimmon, and the shafts were steel. Always look-ing
for perfection, each evening after his round, he
would go to the club shop and tinker with his clubs,
making small adjustments with files, screwdrivers and
other tools — a trait he maintained throughout his
career.
Back then, the ball covers were soft and less durable
compared to those today, so he would change balls
often during every round. He hit them so hard they
simply couldn’t retain their shape. He could easily go
through a dozen balls in one round. A genius with
wedge and putter, he was also remarkable at reading
the greens. In 1956, not having played here, however,
it was difficult for him on the approach shots, and
so he asked me to help him with distance and club
selection every hole, which I did. On hole number
15, a five par, he consistently hit driver and 1 iron to
the green each day. His 1 iron shot was like a missile,
rising only to about 10 feet and so straight it was
scary.
He placed fourth that first year in 1956, and then
came back the next year to win. Each year, he paid me
$100, win or lose, for the five days plus some gloves,
balls and a putter. It was a lot of money for a high
school kid, and a fabulous opportunity for me to learn
from a man who would become a national treasure.
Even when he was young and unknown, Arnold
was very personable, always greeting the crowd
and signing autographs. He treated me with kind-ness
and respect, and I knew even then that he was
a man who would love his fans, and they would
return that love. It was a remarkable and fortunate
time for me and a very precious memory.