Rancho Park in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Arnold Palmer
Took a 12 on This Hole
Photographed By Craig Baker, 2017
1. Arnold Palmer Marker
On Friday January 6, 1961, the first day of the 35th L.A. Open, Arnold Palmer, voted Golfer of the Year and Professional Athlete of the Year, took a 12 on this hole.
As an inspiration to all golfers, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce dedicates this plaque on January 3, 1963.
Rededicated on May 17, 2017.
How Palmer Made His 12
After hitting a fine drive, he proceeded to hit two shots into the driving range and two more onto Patricia Avenue. He hit his sixth shot to the green and two putted. These eight strokes, plus four penalty strokes, added up to 12.
"Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented."
Arnold Palmer
1929 - 2016
Erected 2017 by Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, and The First Tee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1961.
Location. 34° 2.438′ N, 118° 24.864′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Rancho Park. Marker can be reached from the intersection of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Moreton Bay Fig Tree (approx. 1.1 miles away); Durham House (approx. 1.4 miles away); Siple House (approx. 1˝ miles away); Beverly Hills High School (approx. 1˝ miles away); Joseph Residence (approx. 1˝ miles away); American Legion Building (approx. 1˝ miles away); Ivy Substation (approx. 1.6 miles away); Main Street (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Regarding Arnold Palmer. After Palmer hit his initial drive, instead of using an iron for the second shot, he went for a birdie using a 3-wood, but hit out-of-bounds. He did the same thing three more times before finally landing on the green on his fifth try. When asked how he managed to make a 12, Palmer’s reply was summarized by a reporter: "I missed my putt for an 11."
The 18th hole is Par 5. In 1961 it was the 9th hole. The L.A. Open is no longer held at Rancho Park Golf Course.
Photographed By Craig Baker, 2017
2. Arnold Palmer Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker
3. Original Marker, now missing
By David E. Lucas (Public Domain) in the Collection of the Columbus Ohio Metropolitan Library, May 22, 1984
4. Arnold Palmer at the 1984 Memorial Tournament pro-am
Preparing to hit a tee shot as spectators watch on the day of the 1984 Memorial Tournament pro-am at the Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 136 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week December 31, 2023. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on December 30, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
