Augusta 1958, an Army began to form...

It got bigger in 1960 and kept growing and growing. It still exists today. It's called Arnie's Army and whilst some of it's members have gone on to the great clubhouse in the sky, it's still strong and it's very very loyal.

He's not called The King for nothing. His Army loved him because he had an agricultural swing (just like them) and he didn't know the meaning of the term "lay up", just like them. He went for everything, at every pin, he took on every carry and he had no fear. When he smiled at or talked to one of the gallery, that person's self esteem went up 1000% - that was the type of guy he was. That's how he built Arnie's Army.

When Jack Nicklaus came along, and started to beat him, his Army did not take kindly to the young Golden Bear. Jack had to behave perfectly and be the most gracious competitor for years, before they finally accepted him as the champion he was to become.

If you watch some of the golf next week at Bay Hill, you will see these Rock Star Million Dollar Pampered Pro's call him Mr Palmer when they talk to him. That's because they know the reason they are Rock Star Million Dollar Pampered Pro's, is because of one Mr Arnold Daniel Palmer of La Trobe Pennsylvania. It was the King who harnessed the power of television back in the late 50's and early 60's and made Golf what it is today.

Tiger Woods angered a few of the fellow pro's when they were teeing it up at the Accenture Match Play. Ernie Els called him on it, as to him it was no accident that Accenture were the first to drop the fallen angel, and he thought it self centered and rude.

And then this week, Tiger calls Arnie to tell him he is not playing the Bay Hill. Arnie is not exactly over the moon, but the King has the decency to call Woods back to ensure he get's the story right, so that when the press question him, he doesn't drop Woods in it. That's the type of guy The King is. That's why he still has an Army, 35 years on from when he was last competitive. The guy is a class act - pure & simple.

So in a few weeks time, we move down to Augusta. First to tee off is Arnold Palmer followed by Jack Nicklaus as honorary starters. I can tell you this. Woods better have his fucking "A" Game with him, or his marketability will take a serious hit.

If he's struggling, Tiger can hum an Elvis Costello tune whilst mulling over these words;

Arnie's Army is on their way,

Arnie's Army is here to stay,

And if you diss our King, you can be sure

We will make you pay.

Another legend, Tom Watson recently called out Tiger on his behaviour - that is course related behaviour, rather than the hanky panky. Another song springs to mind. It's Aretha Franklin singing R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Tiger, show some son!

Long Live The King !!

the LRFG