MIAMI, May 30 - Arnold Palmer, his playing days all but over, has taken
full control of his golf course design business which is to be renamed the
Arnold Palmer Design Company.
Palmer plans to relocate its headquarters later this year from Ponte Vedra
Beach, Florida to his Bay Hill Club in Orlando, enabling him be more active in
his roles as president and chairman of the 35-year-old business.
"Since my golf has not been up to the standards I have always set for myself,
I have not been playing in tour events this year," the seven-times major winner
said in a statement on Tuesday.
"So that gives me the time to be more in charge of the company and personally
get more involved in the designing.
"This is something that I have wanted to do for many years.
"With the company right at my club in Orlando, I can be hands-on much more of
the time."
A winner of 62 events on the PGA Tour, Palmer won his last title on the
senior Champions Tour at the 1988 Crestar Classic.
He competed in his final major championship at the 2004 U.S. Masters.
A significant factor in the relocation of his business was the failing health
of Ed Seay, with whom Palmer established the company in 1971.
Although no longer fully active, Seay will retain close ties as Palmer's
personal counsellor.
"Ed has been my lead man in the business and I consider him to be one of the
greatest architects of all time," Palmer, 76, added.
"He has done a fantastic job for us and I will continue to turn to him for
advice on all phases of our company operations."
Palmer's company has designed around 300 golf courses in 38 states in the
U.S. and 23 countries.
Among his courses is The K Club in County Kildare, Ireland which will host
the 36th Ryder Cup from September 22-24.
