(Repost With Pictures)
We took our camera over for the ceremonial return of the Wyndham Championship to Sedgefield Country Club yesterday. Two sports legends, who both drove to make their historic mark in sports, one drove a race car-of course that’s Richard Petty-the other drove the little white golf ball-of course that’s Arnold Palmer. Brandt Snedeker, the tournament’s defending champion, hit the ceremonial first ball from tee no. 1 welcoming the event back to Sedgefield.
Arnold was asked for a comment….”Can I go back and play the 16th?” he asked, jokingly. Back in 1972 Arnold was charging on Sunday and took the lead in the tournament, but a triple bogey-6 on the par 3 16th. ended his chances. I hear that Arnold flew up to D.C. After Saturday’s round to have dinner with then President Nixon and was very late getting back into town Saturday night, leading to a tired Arnold Palmer in the final round.
Richard looked as if he was really glad to be there-we all were! The event did give the tournament a special feel. Kyle and Patty Petty were in attendance and were most gracious.
Richard and Arnold exchanged gifts-Arnold got a Petty hat and Richard got a Palmer putter and I got a lot of good poses, I think and hope!
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*****from Jim Modlin, covering the Wyndham Championship for GREENSBOROSports.com*****