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SPORTS
Palmer roots on his grandson
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- Sam Saunders had a special guest in the gallery Thursday for the opening round of The Greenbrier Classic.
Golf legend Arnold Palmer watched his grandson work his way around the par-70 Old White course at The Greenbrier Resort and eventually sign for a 73.
"I saw him out there," Saunders said. "He came and watched a little bit, so that's nice. Hopefully I can do better tomorrow."
Palmer, known as "The King," said Saunders got off to a good start in the PGA Tour event, but had some hiccups midway through the day and paid for it.
"He was going very well. Then I left," Palmer said after his visit to The Golf Channel tower to chat with Rich Lerner and Nick Faldo. "I should never do that."
Palmer, 80, is familiar with The Greenbrier Resort. The World Golf Hall of Fame member was here for the Ryder Cup in 1979 and Senior Tour events later. He also played in some Sam Snead Festivals. In 1955, he shot 66-67 to win. "I made enough to play the tour," he said.
Palmer said it would be easy to critique his grandson, but opts to stay out of the way.
"I whisper to myself what he should be doing," Palmer said. "He can't hear. He can hit the ball. He can play. He just has to get in the right lane."
Coming in, scores were expected to be low and that proved to be the case in round one. Erik Compton led with a 7-under 63 before a weather delay halted play just after 4 p.m.
Palmer just shook his head when asked his thought about today's low scores. Paul Goydos shot a 59 and Steve Stricker a 60 in the John Deere Classic. Carl Pettersson posted a 60 last week on the way to victory in the RBC Canadian Open.
"The talent's overwhelming," he said.
Palmer said if he was younger, he'd like to work the bag for Saunders. Still, he's rooting for him whether he's in the gallery or watching from home.
"The mindset's there," Palmer said. "It looks like he should shoot 63 every day. He just has to get it going. He has to get confidence in himself. He's got to think a little more when he's playing."
Having a similar personality to his grandfather's can create some trying moments, but Palmer said Saunders adjusted.
"He's aware of the situation and handles it well," Palmer said.
