This Day in Golf History: January 2

On this date in 1959, Arnold Palmer opened the PGA Tour season on the earliest date in his career, at the L.A. Open with 72, and would tie for 10th. Also, in 2007, Palmer was the Honorary Orange Bowl captain for Wake Forest; Muhammad Ali was the same for Louisville. Louisville won, 24-13, but Palmer and Ali earned a draw in the nostalgia game. Also, two-time U.S. Amateur champion Marvin (Bud) Ward (in 1939 and 1941), one of America’s standout amateur players, died on this date in 1968 at age 54 after a cancer illness.