Semiahmoo reflects back on ‘The King’

The passing of Arnold Palmer on September 25, 2016 sent shockwaves throughout the golfing world. However, it also reinforced the indelible legacy and impact that Mr. Palmer had, not only on the game of golf, but to the lives of each and every individual that had the privilege of watching him play or meeting him in person.

The anecdotes have been well documented. We were “Arnie’s Army”.

In reflection, almost nothing regarding the details of Mr. Palmer’s life centered around his remarkable Hall of Fame playing career, but rather his generosity as a person and what it meant to be in his presence.

Brian Southwick, the former director of golf at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, fondly remembers the thrill of his encounter with “The King” on Monday, June 22, 1987. Arnold Palmer was coming to Blaine, Wash. for the grand opening of his newly completed Pacific Northwest gem (one of just three Palmer Course Design’s in Washington state) and to host a clinic, followed by an exhibition round for local charity.

After the round with Mark Johnson, Semiahmoo Club’s head golf professional at the time, the Resort hosted a reception and a formal meet and greet with Mr. Palmer.

“It was a magical, memorable day for everyone,” Southwick said. “The anticipation was palpable as we watched Arnold’s helicopter touch down on the tenth tee box. He stayed for hours signing autographs and I guarantee that if you speak with anyone that was there that day, they’ll light up, and recall vividly where they stood and how close they were to Arnie.”

Twenty-nine years later, with a set of Arnold Palmer’s golf clubs still on display in the Pro Shop, golfers at Semiahmoo Golf Club are still struck by his elegant course design; the site specific approach which takes advantage of Washington’s forested terrain while incorporating strategic water features.

A few years after the grand opening Palmer returned to the Semiahmoo course for a private visit.
“He could have played anywhere in the Northwest, but he decided to come back to Semiahmoo,” Southwick says. “He loved it here.”
“And we were glad to have known him.”