Players pay tribute to Arnold Palmer with umbrella salute

The symbol that would come to be synonymous with Arnold Palmer came to him by chance in 1961. On Oct. 7, almost two weeks after his death, it came to honor him.  

During the opening round of the PGA TOUR Champions' Toshiba Classic on Friday, players and fans stopped for a "Salute to Arnie" — a moment of silence during which players opened the iconic four-color umbrella Palmer became known for.

When the legendary golfer's Arnold Palmer Enterprises was founded 55 years ago, the golfer realized he needed a logo. During a break in a brainstorming session, Palmer walked outside his office and noticed a woman holding a multi-color umbrella. Palmer would adopt the symbol with fervor, carrying the umbrella with him at times and handing out umbrella pins to his fans in "Arnie's Army" wherever he went.

Fans can purchase the limited edition umbrella at the Toshiba Classic, with all proceeds going towards Arnie's Army Charitable Foundation. 

“Arnold Palmer single-handedly delivered golf to the forefront of American culture when he burst onto the scene in the 50s,” said Jeff Purser, Executive Director, Hoag Charity Sports – Toshiba Classic.  “He blazed the trail for those who would follow and became the first superstar of sports.  The impact he has left on every single one of us that have a career in golf, play the game, or are fans of the sport will never be forgotten.”