On Wednesday last, a new Arnold Palmer plaque was dedicated, commemorating his score of 12, on Rancho Park’s par-five 18th hole, during the first round of the 1961 L.A. Open. The original plaque was dedicated in 1963, and later stolen. A replacement “stone” was installed by the Recreation and Parks Department.
This beautiful new plaque, designed by graphic artist and Rancho Park golf club champion, Ed Passarelli, is the permanent replacement, being a combination of a re-creation of the original plaque, plus a map of the hole, with a description of the strokes taken by Mr Palmer, plus an embossed photograph.
The idea for replacing the replacement of the original plaque, and the execution of the plan to use it to raise money for junior golf, was all Phil Baugh, of the First Tee of Los Angeles.
Arnold would be proud.
After her speech, golf legend Amy Alcott, tee’d up a ball, and played the 18th hole, with a gallery of supporters and guests, she made some beautiful strokes, easily scoring a par 5, with never an inclination of the “heart warming” 3-woods that Arnold experienced in January 1961!
From left to right in the photo:
- Amy Alcott – LPGA & World Golf Hall of Fame member
- John Jones – Rancho Park GC Historian & Grammy Award winner
- Phil Bough – ED LAJCC Charity Foundation/The First Tee of Los Angeles
- Ed Passarelli – Plaque Designer
- Laura Bauernfiend – Golf Manager, LA City Rec. & Parks
- Paul Koretz – LA Councilmember, 5th District
Well done again to Rancho Park Golf, Holidaying in 1998 I played many rounds there as a guest from Victoria Golf Club Australia, the first day Playing with Robert Morse had just hit off the 18th tee with another poor shot and was asked by his friend Richard to walk back and read the plaque just off the tee,I did hesitate for a second thinking I had been penalized or they were setting me up for another prank, after reading it, put my head back down and was determined to beat Arnold Palmer’s score for that hole.
I know I’m late to followup to this comment, however Mr. Maher is certainly someone who understands excellent golf. Really kind for him to comment. I’ve had the pleasure of playing Victoria in the Sandbelt and found the grounds to be immaculate and the club’s members to be among the most friendly I’ve ever come across. Vic has recently redone their greens (which were close to perfect even prior to the changes) and it remains a top place to play in the world.
The plaque is a complete farce. Why would you commemorate a fluke moment like this ? I doubt if the King was ever pleased about it.
Part of every legend is the person. In this case, Arnold Palmer. A man of grace and pride who was honoured by the original plaque. He won three times at Rancho after the plaque was laid!
His own words were the pride of every man. “How did you get a 12?” – “I missed the putt!”
Golf is not war. Golf is humility. Arnold Palmer was a true gentleman. He personally chose the photograph for the plaque, and was kept abreast of the design throughout. Doc was our contact. No farce, just love for a time when golf had men of valour.
https://www.golfhistoricalsociety.org/ghswordpress/2021/02/10/arnie-palmer-and-his-infamous-12/