YORK COUNTY – “I think he was the greatest individual that ever walked the earth when it comes to golf.” That is how York’s Sherm Keeney describes Arnold Palmer. Palmer passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. Keeney had the opportunity to caddy for Palmer during a 1963 exhibition held at Briarwood Golf Club in York County. Keeney was 17-years old at the time.
In the gallery that day was Wayne Jacobs of West York. A few years later, Jacobs would win the PIAA Championship. On that day, he enjoyed watching his favorite golfer play the course at Briarwood. He confesses to being a member of Arnie’s Army and has deep praise for the way Palmer conducted himself on and off the course.
“Whether you were just a little kid or a real old gentleman, or a real old woman, it didn’t matter, he didn’t care, he made time for everybody,” marveled Jacobs. “That’s why they called him the King.”
In the foursome at the exhibition was Charlie Strack. Strack was a college teammate of Palmer’s at Wake Forest. All three men discuss the event in York County 53 years ago and what Palmer meant to them and other golf fans in the following videos from FOX43 News.
