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How Arnold Palmer's Golf Legacy Began In Phoenix

The man known as the King of Golf, Arnold Palmer, died yesterday at the age of 87.

He made many connections here in the Valley and leaves behind five golf courses in the state that bear his name and design: Arrowhead in Glendale, Wildfire at
Desert Ridge in North Phoenix, Starfire in Scottsdale, Mesa del Sol in Yuma and Starr Pas in Tucson.

Arnie’s Army paraded proudly here with Palmer winning the Phoenix Open three consecutive times back in the 1960’s, helping make the PGA tour event the huge success
it’s become today. 

In fact, Phoenix was where he began his pro career in 1955. In a video made for the Phoenix Open a few years ago, the golf legend from Latrobe, Pennsylvania  talked about his humble beginnings here in the Valley.

"I was living in a trailer and I just enjoyed the whole thing," Palmer said. He remembers the cattle yards not far from his home. "I was seeing things that reminded me of the West."

Joining The Show is Len Huck, a former director of the Phoenix Open and member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, which helps to host and put on the event each year.

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Phil Latzman is an award-winning digital journalist and broadcast professional with over 25 years of experience covering news and sports on a multitude of platforms.