Arnold Palmer wouldn’t want anything — not even his own farewell — to interrupt one of his favorite golf tournaments.
Palmer’s family has decided to hold a public memorial service for him on Oct. 4 in his hometown of Latrobe, Pa., The Florida Times-Union’s Garry Smits reported Tuesday. The legendary golfer died Sunday, but his family decided to schedule a public service after the Ryder Cup, which takes place this week, because that’s what he would have wanted.
“(Alastair) Johnston (CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises) says Palmer would not have wanted event he played six times and was a captain twice, to be overshadowed,” Smits writes.
Palmer’s family will hold a private funeral service this week.
Palmer played in six Ryder Cup tournaments and captained the U.S. twice. He holds U.S. records for total wins and singles matches played (11).
Media outlets undoubtedly will include news of Palmer’s death in their Ryder Cup coverage, but the actual golf competition will drive the story. When it finishes, the golf and sports worlds can say “goodbye” to Palmer in a fitting manner.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
