PIA?s Tom Adderhold Remembers Arnold Palmer

Many people in the insurance industry—especially agents—have a particular affinity for the sport of golf. That’s why the news of the passing of Arnold Palmer, whom many considered to be among the greatest professional golfers of all time, hit hard. Palmer passed away at the age of 87 on September 25 in Pittsburgh.

PIA National Past President Tom Adderhold of Duluth, Georgia was General Chairman of the PGA Championship in 2011. Tom shares some thoughts on the passing of Arnold Palmer:

“The world has lost one of the true legends of the game of golf, business and life. Arnold Palmer and television turned a game into a mega-million enterprise and influenced the lives of so many people, both in golf as well as the non-golfer. Mr. Palmer established a Legacy to live by: ‘Be a person of principle.’ He liked to say, ‘Success depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character. Winning isn’t everything, but wanting it is.’”

“Mr. Palmer always had time for the fans, the kids and the volunteers. He gave back in so many ways, such as hospitals and scholarships. He was a ferocious competitor, but always a gentleman. He personally answered his own mail and autographed millions of items with a signature that is legible. I hope we all in the insurance world will adopt his legacy and strive to be the best agents in servicing our customers and our industry.”

Tom Adderhold

Past President, PIA National

General Chairman of the 2011 PGA Championship