The new, 4,000-square-foot Arnold Palmer Experience, which debuted last week at Bay Hill, offered visitors a look at Palmer’s life, including interactive hitting bays recalling some of his most famous shots.
The exhibit is scheduled to remain open for several weeks at Bay Hill before being relocated to Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Pa., this summer.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge)
The new Arnold Palmer Experience immerses visitors by projecting a film on a dome featuring his umbrella colors.
The Experience begins with a six-minute film that reintroduces visitors to who Palmer was and what he did.
As happy as Palmer was on the course, he was equally content working on clubs during his down time.
Whether in his hands or in a vise on a workbench, Palmer and his golf clubs rarely were far apart.
How it all begin – Palmer’s birth certificate and his baby booties.
Visitors to the Experience can try to emulate three of the most famous shots Palmer hit during his career.
After leaving Wake Forest University, Palmer spent three years in the U.S. Coast Guard with these dog tags.
The fighter helmet Palmer wore when he took a ride with the U.S. military.
The Arnold Palmer Experience is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the many aspects of Palmer’s life.
Notes from Arnie’s world-record flight in 1976
Palmer won seven major championships and those trophies are part of the Experience.
Arnie’s majors trophies
Palmer won four Masters which, in addition to a green jacket, comes with a silver clubhouse trophy.
In 1960 Palmer won the Hickok Belt, given to the country’s top sports figure.
Palmer won his only U.S. Open in 1960 at Cherry Hills and received a cherry red jacket as champion.
In six Ryder Cup playing appearances, Palmer had a 22-7-2 record.
In recognition of Palmer’s sartorial style, the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational now receives a red cardigan.
Palmer authored books and was the subject of so many he could have had his own section in the library.
Beyond golf, Palmer was involved in multiple businesses that included car dealerships and dry cleaners.
Toys, trinkets and tchotchkes featuring Palmer offer a glimpse of his extraordinary celebrity.
Palmer was associated with the Pennzoil brand for many years.
Though Palmer’s name became synonymous with an iced tea/lemonade beverage, he had a taste for other drinks, too.
Palmer loved golf equipment, and in the latter part of his career he was aligned with Callaway Golf.
Father and daughter.
Photos: Barbara Ivins-Georgoudiou, Global Golf Post