A look at Arnold Palmer's historic OKC visit following his final PGA win in 1964

Linda Lynn, The Oklahoman
On May 18, 1964, Arnold Palmer, at left, was only one putt away from victory as he waited for Terry Dill to putt on the 18th hole during the Oklahoma City Open golf tournament.
On May 18, 1964, Arnold Palmer, at left, was only one putt away from victory as he waited for Terry Dill to putt on the 18th hole during the Oklahoma City Open golf tournament.

Gen. Arnold Palmer. Mr. Golf. Arnie's Army.

Arnold Palmer was the biggest name in golf, coming off of just winning the Masters in April 1964 in Augusta, Georgia, for his fourth and final time.

Palmer became the first person to win the Oklahoma City Open for the second time, The Daily Oklahoman's golf writer Wally Wallis reported on May 19, 1964. Palmer had previously won the Oklahoma City Open in 1959. Palmer was a crowd-draw. About 10,000 were said to have attended the tournament, with about 5,000 described as his volunteer gallery or "army," eager to follow him around the course at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club.

May 19, 1964, edition of The Daily Oklahoman's Sports section.
May 19, 1964, edition of The Daily Oklahoman's Sports section.

After the OKC win, Palmer's caddy, who was $500 richer, had nothing but good things to say about the star golfer.

"He's got to be the greatest golfer ever. It was the biggest thrill of my life caddying for him," said 19-year-old Alan Carter, a Bishop McGuinness High School graduate.

"He's (Palmer) a charger. He never plays safe and he almost always puts his shots exactly where he wants them."

In a career spanning more than six decades, Palmer won 62 PGA tour events from 1955 to 1973.

On May 18, 1964, Arnold Palmer hits toward the ninth green from the shade of an overhanging tree during the Oklahoma City Open at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club.
On May 18, 1964, Arnold Palmer hits toward the ninth green from the shade of an overhanging tree during the Oklahoma City Open at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Golfer Arnold Palmer wins Masters, Oklahoma City Open in 1964

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