Under any name, the PGA Tour tournament at Palm Springs, California has always featured top players and historic moments.
Officials hope that the 64th American Express tournament at La Quinta this week can make its own history. The tournament also marks the 50th anniversary of a significant moment in tournament and PGA Tour history. This year marks the 50th anniversary for Arnold Palmer’s fifth victory in The American Express and his 62nd and final victory on the PGA Tour.
Palmer was a desert lover. He lived in the desert for the majority of his professional career. In 1960, The American Express began its existence. Palmer won a PGA Tour event there. Palmer won the 1960 American Express tournament, as well as winning it in 1962 and 1968, as well as 1971. Although he was 43, few would have predicted that his 1973 title at Bermuda Dunes Country Club would become his last.
Here are seven facts about Palmer’s win in The American Express last PGA Tour event, also known as the Bob Hope Desert Classic.
