Grandson of The King still trying to find his way

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Sam Saunders opened with a 73 Thursday at The Greenbrier Classic.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- The first time Arnold Palmer played at The Greenbrier was 55 years ago.

The legendary Sam Snead had invited Palmer, who was actually the king-in-waiting back then, to play in his pro-am. Palmer walked away with his first paycheck, too -- and given the times, it was a pretty big one at just under $10,000.

"That really afforded me the opportunity to continue to play the TOUR," Palmer, who later played in two World Cups with Snead, recalled on Thursday. "It was fun being with Sam and playing with him. He never spent a lot of money, though. He was close with the buck."

The King flew back to the mountains of West Virginia on Thursday morning to watch his grandson, Sam Saunders, play in The Greenbrier Classic. Saunders couldn't take advantage of the optimum scoring conditions at the Old White Course, though -- he made four birdies, two bogeys, one double and a triple on the way to a 73.

"Maybe tomorrow will be the day to really get him going," the doting grandfather said.

Palmer walked several holes with Saunders before having lunch with Jim Justice, the jocular owner of The Greenbrier. Palmer marveled at the way the tournament has come together in a little more than 14 months.

"What a man," he said. "He's a great guy -- I think he hired me (at lunch)."

After lunch, Palmer joined his grandson on the range for a skull session. Then he spent some time in the tower with GOLF CHANNEL announcers Nick Faldo and Rich Lerner before hopping in a golf cart and entertaining several print reporters before darkening clouds began to creep over the mountains.

Saunders has played in six PGA TOUR events this year, making the cut in three and earning $95,226. His grandfather knows he's got plenty of talent -- Palmer says the big-hitting Saunders just needs to put it all together at the same time.

"When I stand there and watch him you wouldn't believe how well he hits it," Palmer said. "It's fantastic and certainly it's just a question of translating that to that golf course right there. ... If he did that, he'd be right there every day and every tournament he plays."

Palmer, who says he would love to caddy for his grandson in a tournament someday, tries to maintain as low a profile as possible when he's watching Saunders play. He understands the pressure his legacy may put on Saunders but he doesn't talk to his grandson about it.

"I don't ask him those questions," Palmer said. "I try to steer clear of that. I think he's very aware of the situation he's in, and I think he'll be able to handle it very well."

Saunders, for his part, says he's gotten used to the near-constant questions about his grandfather, perhaps the most beloved player in the game. "It's part of the deal," he said. "Some day when I play my game it will speak for itself.

Saunders, a Clemson product who turns 23 on Friday, enjoys having those gentle, all-knowing eyes in his gallery. Palmer usually has found a comfortable spot in the clubhouse, though, by the time his grandson finishes so the focus can be on Saunders, not him.

"He comes out, tries to watch as much as he can," Saunders said. "But he doesn't want to cause any distractions which I appreciate."

Saunders was disappointed in his play on Thursday. He called his performance "terrible" and said he "played awful." At the same time, Saunders was still hopeful of making the cut.

"(It's) not like have to go out there and shoot 10 under or anything tomorrow," Saunders said. "Go out and play the way I should (and I can) make the cut. It's not that tough. I'm making it a lot harder than it is."

Saunders has no status on any tour right now, so getting into a competitive rhythm has been difficult. His best finish is a tie for 17th at The Honda Classic. He'll play two Nationwide Tour events later this year, though, which should help get him further battle-tested for qualifying school in the fall.

"(When you) take some time off from competitive golf, it's tough to get those feelings you should get out there and hit the ball well under pressure," Saunders said. "I'm just not doing that right now."