My Stories (Commemorative Edition) - A Life Well Played

I just received this book two days ago, but I am half-way through it. I have always admired Arnold Palmer, and the book is just as down to earth as he always appeared. I ordered two copies, one for me and one for my golfer son.

I first became a fan of Arnold Palmer around 1963 when I was nine years old. Within a few years I bought a very cheap beginners set of clubs, and I was hooked. When ever I actually made a good putt, I'd dance around...giving a big "thumbs-up", acting like I was Arnie sinking a long putt to win a tournament on the 18th green.
That was nearly 50 years ago now. And while the quality of my play has had its ups and downs over time, the love of the sport and admiration of the guy who initially inspired me has done nothing but grow stronger.
As I read this book, its was like listening to Arnie narrating his life's story in his own words, and it's now a treasured addition to my personal library. It brought back many fond memories of my own, and while I don't physically dance around the green anymore (but still give a "Thumbs-up")...those memories are laden with Mr. Palmer's fingerprints.
Thanks Arnie.....it was a well played life indeed !!

There's plenty to like in Arnie's last book before his death last year. Stories about his early career, his family, the impact his father had on his life, and the Tour. Golf fans of all ages will enjoy Arnie's little anecdotes and words of wisdom.

I got the distinct impression that Arnie put considerable time and effort into this very enjoyable book. It is definitely not something written by a ghostwriter that he just signed off on.

My favorite chapter is the one where he describes his relationship with his long-time friend, Jack Nicklaus. It ends with Arnie's thoughts on how to be a good winner and avoid being a poor loser. There is an aging superstar player trying to come back from some physical problems who would do well to heed Arnie's advice.

If I had to come up with a description of this book using just a few words, they would be "profoundly moving". You can't help but be in awe of the man Arnold Palmer was.

Edit: I take it a fan of the player I referred to doesn't mind him throwing clubs and using profanity loudly enough to be heard on TV

Not much new here. Mainly just a build-up of himself, his father. Mark McCormack, other golfers and his friends. Espouses golf, sportsmanship, manners, etc. He claims all of the products he endorsed were top quality, including Cadillac. Cadillacs in the 70s and 80s were known for poor quality. He did not address at all the current decrease in the popularity of golf and the number of rounds being played. There is no doubt that he was in large part responsible for the increase in popularity in the 60s and 70s..This is not meant in any way to criticize the General, just not much to this book.

The true words behind the small town blue collar minded kid who led a great life. If you are a Palmer fan, do your self a favor and read(listen) to this. Arnie reads the forward of the book a couple years before he died and it was so nice to hear his voice one more time...

I first became a fan of Arnold Palmer around 1963 when I was nine years old. Within a few years I bought a very cheap beginners set of clubs, and I was hooked. When ever I actually made a good putt, I'd dance around...giving a big "thumbs-up", acting like I was Arnie sinking a long putt to win a tournament on the 18th green.
That was nearly 50 years ago now. And while the quality of my play has had its ups and downs over time, the love of the sport and admiration of the guy who initially inspired me has done nothing but grow stronger.
As I read this book, its was like listening to Arnie narrating his life's story in his own words, and it's now a treasured addition to my personal library. It brought back many fond memories of my own, and while I don't physically dance around the green anymore (but still give a "Thumbs-up")...those memories are laden with Mr. Palmer's fingerprints.
Thanks Arnie.....it was a well played life indeed !!

There's plenty to like in Arnie's last book before his death last year. Stories about his early career, his family, the impact his father had on his life, and the Tour. Golf fans of all ages will enjoy Arnie's little anecdotes and words of wisdom.

I got the distinct impression that Arnie put considerable time and effort into this very enjoyable book. It is definitely not something written by a ghostwriter that he just signed off on.

My favorite chapter is the one where he describes his relationship with his long-time friend, Jack Nicklaus. It ends with Arnie's thoughts on how to be a good winner and avoid being a poor loser. There is an aging superstar player trying to come back from some physical problems who would do well to heed Arnie's advice.

If I had to come up with a description of this book using just a few words, they would be "profoundly moving". You can't help but be in awe of the man Arnold Palmer was.

Edit: I take it a fan of the player I referred to doesn't mind him throwing clubs and using profanity loudly enough to be heard on TV

Not much new here. Mainly just a build-up of himself, his father. Mark McCormack, other golfers and his friends. Espouses golf, sportsmanship, manners, etc. He claims all of the products he endorsed were top quality, including Cadillac. Cadillacs in the 70s and 80s were known for poor quality. He did not address at all the current decrease in the popularity of golf and the number of rounds being played. There is no doubt that he was in large part responsible for the increase in popularity in the 60s and 70s..This is not meant in any way to criticize the General, just not much to this book.

The true words behind the small town blue collar minded kid who led a great life. If you are a Palmer fan, do your self a favor and read(listen) to this. Arnie reads the forward of the book a couple years before he died and it was so nice to hear his voice one more time...