Print this page  |  Close Window

By Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent

SPRING, Texas -- Three rounds. Three days.

That's more golf than Arnold Palmer has played in a while.

Almost too much.

Arnold Palmer retired from competitive golf a year ago this week. (Cohen/WireImage)

The King stepped off the Augusta Pines course Thursday afternoon with a smile on his face and a Sharpie in hand. Cameras snapping. Fans hovering. Temperature hovering in the mid-80s. Sweat running down his brow and his back.

Just like old times.

Well, not really.

Anrie retired from competitive golf on that same 18th green a year ago, so this one was for pleasure. And for the amateurs playing with him and watching him in the Administaff Small Business Classic Pro-Am.

Add a couple of rounds in New York (The National Golf Links) Tuesday and Wednesday to the 18 he played here and, well, it's been a long week on the course.

It was a rare playing appearance for Arnie, who has spent a busy 12 months working on his course designs and consulting and working with charities, in particular cancer awareness. That, itself, isn't much different from the old days when he found time to balance that with playing.

And, no, he doesn't miss playing that much. Telling stories with the guys? Yes. Keeping up with young Champions Tour guns like Loren Roberts and Jay Haas? No.

"When you can't do what you're used to doing on a golf course, you don't miss it as much,'' he said. "It's not the same as playing with your friends.

"Of course, most of my friends beat me now.''

Palmer shakes his head when asked about today's courses, which are approaching 8,000 yards. And no, he's not designing those.

"I haven't done anything longer than 7,600 yards,'' he said.

What he is doing is looking into new things like SubAir systems and new greens and grasses. "I enjoy thinking up things to do better,'' he said.

With that, he headed into the clubhouse for lunch and a little more chatting with corporate sponsors. And a little rest.

Three rounds in three days is a tournament. Something the King is glad he hasn't played in a year.