The Age of Palmer: Pro Golf in the 1960s — A Golden Era History

Overview

The Age of Palmer offers a richly detailed look at pro golf during its Golden Era, a decade when television, endorsements, and escalating purses redefined the sport. Following legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, the book traces how the game came of age from the early 1960s through 1969, capturing the momentum that turned golf into a national conversation.

Acclaimed golf historian Patrick Hand gathers a tapestry of stories that blends competition with culture. Readers move from Palmers’ dominant early years to Nicklaus’ ascent, with vivid scenes from majors and a global array of events. The narrative weaves in contemporary moments—Moon landings, space missions, Woodstock, and civil rights milestones—offering a backdrop that helps illuminate the era’s sense of scale and ambition.

Inside the book

• Comprehensive coverage of every major on the 1960s PGA Tour and notable international events.
• Insights from interviews with key figures such as Nicklaus, Player, Jacklin, and Trevino, among others.
• Behind-the-scenes color—travel routines, lodging, and the camaraderie that shaped tour life.
• Vivid game-day scenes that convey the tension, strategy, and pulse of competition.
• Contextual moments from the era’s broader news and culture that influenced the sport.

Reading experience

• Airs with humor, warmth, and thoughtful reflection that makes 1960s golf feel immediate.
• Balanced narrative pace, weaving tournament arc with personal stories for a cohesive history.
• Accessible yet richly sourced, offering a solid reference for fans and historians alike.

This book invites readers to discover how a transforming era shaped pro golf’s profile and legacies. While it chronicles possibilities and outcomes, it presents a nuanced portrait rather than promises or guarantees, encouraging readers to form their own connections to the era.