Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men | Mission Point Press

In Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men, former LPGA commissioner Charlie Mechem invites readers behind the scenes of golf’s golden era. With energy and wit, he sketches a portrait of two icons who excelled at both work and play, while staying true to their lifelong friendship. The narrative offers a fresh, human look at two legends who shaped the game and its culture, without gloss or hype.

Mechem first formed a close connection with Jack Nicklaus in the early 1970s when Nicklaus designed a course for Taft Broadcasting. After Mechem left the LPGA, Arnold Palmer asked him to serve as consultant and advisor for a decade, and the three even shared an office. This unusual trio built a bond that reveals how professional respect can deepen into lasting camaraderie and mutual regard.

The book delivers a front-row seat to memorable moments in storied places, from championship layouts to clubhouse hubs and iconic eateries. On the course, readers encounter Bay Hill, Muirfield Village, The Tradition, and Augusta National through candid observations and anecdotes. Off the course, scenes move to Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, The Captain’s Club, and moments that touch on the broader world beyond the ropes, including glimpses of the White House and Congress. The result is a vivid, firsthand portrait that feels both intimate and expansive.

What you’ll experience

The narrative blends sensory detail with historical color, turning familiar golf landscapes into living scenes. Expect the hush before a pivotal moment, the camaraderie in the clubhouse, and the warm, easy humor that defined these friendships.

• On the course: design conversations, strategic insights, and the shared language of championship golf at renowned venues.
• Off the course: hospitality, leadership moments, and the social world surrounding two of golf’s most recognizable figures.

Why it resonates

Readers who love sports history and character-driven storytelling will find this memoir engaging. It offers a nuanced view of two legends, highlighting mutual respect, playful banter, and the human side of public figures without resorting to sensationalism.

• Intimate perspective: firsthand accounts from someone who worked closely with both men.
• Historical texture: a vivid record of golf culture during a pivotal era.

Who should read this

Fans of golf, memoir enthusiasts, and readers drawn to mentorship and friendship will likely find this book thoughtful and entertaining—an invitation to reflect on the ways professional relationships can become enduring, meaningful connections.