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A Life Well Played: My Stories
The commemorative edition of the instant New York Times bestseller--now with a foreword by Jack Nicklaus!
"A wonderful compilation that reflects who he was as a person, as a golfer, and as someone who believed in giving back. He was a champion at each turn, and it was an honor not just knowing him and competing against him for nearly 60 years, but also being his friend." ―Jack Nicklaus, from the foreword
This book is Palmer’s parting gift to the world -- a treasure trove of entertaining anecdotes and timeless wisdom that readers, golfers and non-golfers alike, will celebrate and cherish. No one has won more fans around the world and no player has had a bigger impact on the sport of golf than Arnold Palmer. In fact, Palmer is considered by many to be the most important professional golfer in history, an American icon.
In A Life Well Played , Palmer takes stock of the many experiences of his life, bringing new details and insights to some familiar stories and sharing new ones. This book is for Arnie's Army and all golf fans but it is more than just a golf book; Palmer had tremendous success off the course as well and is most notable for his exemplary sportsmanship and business success, while always giving back to the fans who made it all possible. Gracious, fair, and a true gentleman, "Arnie" was the gold standard of how to conduct yourself in your career, life, and relationships. Perfect for men and women of all ages, his final book offers advice and guidance, sharing personal stories of his career on the course, success in business, and the great relationships that gave meaning to his life.
"A wonderful compilation that reflects who he was as a person, as a golfer, and as someone who believed in giving back. He was a champion at each turn, and it was an honor not just knowing him and competing against him for nearly 60 years, but also being his friend." ―Jack Nicklaus, from the foreword
This book is Palmer’s parting gift to the world -- a treasure trove of entertaining anecdotes and timeless wisdom that readers, golfers and non-golfers alike, will celebrate and cherish. No one has won more fans around the world and no player has had a bigger impact on the sport of golf than Arnold Palmer. In fact, Palmer is considered by many to be the most important professional golfer in history, an American icon.
In A Life Well Played , Palmer takes stock of the many experiences of his life, bringing new details and insights to some familiar stories and sharing new ones. This book is for Arnie's Army and all golf fans but it is more than just a golf book; Palmer had tremendous success off the course as well and is most notable for his exemplary sportsmanship and business success, while always giving back to the fans who made it all possible. Gracious, fair, and a true gentleman, "Arnie" was the gold standard of how to conduct yourself in your career, life, and relationships. Perfect for men and women of all ages, his final book offers advice and guidance, sharing personal stories of his career on the course, success in business, and the great relationships that gave meaning to his life.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 3, 2020
251 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Arnold Palmer
106 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
American golfer Arnold Palmer, the first, won four championships at masters of 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964.
Fond Arnold Palmoer popularized this beverage, made of iced tea, mixed with lemonade.
People consider this greatest professional ever to play the game.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_...
American golfer Arnold Palmer, the first, won four championships at masters of 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964.
Fond Arnold Palmoer popularized this beverage, made of iced tea, mixed with lemonade.
People consider this greatest professional ever to play the game.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 29, 2025
This was excellent. I’m a huge sports fan but not really much of a golf watcher. That said, it would be hard to be aware of Arnold Palmer. I borrowed the audiobook from the library and felt this was a very easy listen.
Arnold Palmer only narrated the introduction, but that’s ok.
The chapters were all relatively short, which made it a great book to listen to in short spurts if that’s all you had.
Mr. Palmer definitely lived quite a life.
Arnold Palmer only narrated the introduction, but that’s ok.
The chapters were all relatively short, which made it a great book to listen to in short spurts if that’s all you had.
Mr. Palmer definitely lived quite a life.
June 28, 2017
By any reasonable measure, Arnold Palmer had a good life. From a humble background he became the face of professional golf just as it was becoming a “world sport” watched by millions through the miracle of television. He also became the idol of the many that identified as “Arnie’s Army,” the fans that followed him from one tournament to the next always cheering from the gallery.
There is plenty in this book to make you feel good: from Palmer’s veneration of his father’s advice and example; to his love for his wife and family; to his treatment of fans, players and business partners. He was a fine person who did not let his celebrity change him in his courtesy, charity and confidence. He was successful because of these and other values that he discusses in the book.
Yet there are somethings in this memoir that still puzzle me. He is very emphatic about men taking their hats off whenever inside (no big thing to me). Also, that no male players on the professional tour should wear beards (What? This was written in 2016!). For all his discussion of how the sport grew in national importance, you can hardly find a word (outside of a mention of Tiger Woods, Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez) about people of color and how professional golf had to be integrated. Outside of mentioning that he taught his daughters to play golf, there is nothing about women golfers in the entire book. There may be other things he wrote or did about these issues , so I am not judging the man. It just puzzles me that a man so prominent and so active in the sport even in 2016 wouldn’t have something to say about this part of the game.
I experienced A Life Played Well as an audio book with Palmer reading his introduction and Lerner doing the chores for the book itself. Arnie sounds frankly, old and tired, unable to speak with much inflection or pace. Lerner does an excellent job in his reading and the anecdotes roll easily onward. I almost finished the entire book in a 400 mile road trip. Certainly, it was a fine way to pass the time.
There is plenty in this book to make you feel good: from Palmer’s veneration of his father’s advice and example; to his love for his wife and family; to his treatment of fans, players and business partners. He was a fine person who did not let his celebrity change him in his courtesy, charity and confidence. He was successful because of these and other values that he discusses in the book.
Yet there are somethings in this memoir that still puzzle me. He is very emphatic about men taking their hats off whenever inside (no big thing to me). Also, that no male players on the professional tour should wear beards (What? This was written in 2016!). For all his discussion of how the sport grew in national importance, you can hardly find a word (outside of a mention of Tiger Woods, Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez) about people of color and how professional golf had to be integrated. Outside of mentioning that he taught his daughters to play golf, there is nothing about women golfers in the entire book. There may be other things he wrote or did about these issues , so I am not judging the man. It just puzzles me that a man so prominent and so active in the sport even in 2016 wouldn’t have something to say about this part of the game.
I experienced A Life Played Well as an audio book with Palmer reading his introduction and Lerner doing the chores for the book itself. Arnie sounds frankly, old and tired, unable to speak with much inflection or pace. Lerner does an excellent job in his reading and the anecdotes roll easily onward. I almost finished the entire book in a 400 mile road trip. Certainly, it was a fine way to pass the time.
November 22, 2016
This is a book, not just about Golf stories, but about life in general. When I say that, I mean values and lessons a that "I feel" are important. I'm not saying that everything Arnold Palmer says should be graved in stone, however there are some valuable tools in this book.
They are tools that help you with your everyday life. Such as, how you talk to and treat people, how you present yourself, and doing in life what makes you happy.
I'm kind of going through some personal issues and this book shed a new light on the way I've been living and how I treat poeple. I know what you're saying...."Isn't Arnold Palmer just a golfer???" Well yes, but....he wasn't "just a golfer." He played Golf for a living, and did very well for himself while also making significant changes, but he was so much more than that.
What he did for other people is just amazing. From the children's and cancer hospitals he started, to simply taking the time to sign something for someone. He spent $250,0000 a year in postage for the people who would send in items, or pictures for him to sign, but didn't think of, or forgot that it costs money to send it back. So he would pick up the tab. I don't know to many celebrities who would care enough and take that kind of time just to make someone happy.
I read this at the library but NEED to own it. It's almost like a little pocket book with tips on how to get through your life. It really made me take a step back and take a good look at myself.
So that all being said, even if you're not a fan of Golf, or don't even know who he is. It's still a great read, and I look forward to reading it MANY more times.
They are tools that help you with your everyday life. Such as, how you talk to and treat people, how you present yourself, and doing in life what makes you happy.
I'm kind of going through some personal issues and this book shed a new light on the way I've been living and how I treat poeple. I know what you're saying...."Isn't Arnold Palmer just a golfer???" Well yes, but....he wasn't "just a golfer." He played Golf for a living, and did very well for himself while also making significant changes, but he was so much more than that.
What he did for other people is just amazing. From the children's and cancer hospitals he started, to simply taking the time to sign something for someone. He spent $250,0000 a year in postage for the people who would send in items, or pictures for him to sign, but didn't think of, or forgot that it costs money to send it back. So he would pick up the tab. I don't know to many celebrities who would care enough and take that kind of time just to make someone happy.
I read this at the library but NEED to own it. It's almost like a little pocket book with tips on how to get through your life. It really made me take a step back and take a good look at myself.
So that all being said, even if you're not a fan of Golf, or don't even know who he is. It's still a great read, and I look forward to reading it MANY more times.
Read
August 9, 2017As a golfer for most of my life, Arnold Palmer was one of my favorite players. I have several of his books about his life and about golf instruction. I even tried to imitate his style and some of his swing techniques. Since his recent death, there has been an increased interest in his legacy in golf. This book came just at the right time. It was like sitting down with him and having him address every question you ever wanted to ask him regarding his golf career, his business activities and his philosophy of life. He touched on all of these topics in a down-to-earth way that made the reader feel that you were just chatting with an old friend. For me this was one of the most enjoyable golf books I have ever read. I have always had a great deal of respect for Arnie but after reading this book, I know why he was so well-respected by so many people. While he didn't like the term, he is truly the "King."
September 21, 2016
This is a book that is not just for golfers. I found the stories, written by Palmer, very entertaining.
January 3, 2017
great stories in Mr Palmer's own words...
November 21, 2016
Arnold Palmer is my all-time favorite golfer. I was very saddened by his passing. I'm so glad he was able to write this book and give us his observations about golf and about life. Particularly, I enjoyed the stories of his family: his love for his wife Winnie, and for his daughters and grandchildren and of the great influence on his life by his father. I think one reason for his immense popularity was his very relatable personality: a man not born into privilege, but one who had to work hard for all he achieved in life. A man of the people, if you will, who was more than happy to give you an autograph and talk with you. And what a great golfer. His stories about his golfing life are priceless. All in all, an extremely well done story of a rewarding and inspirational life.
April 4, 2017
Such a spectacular and priceless set of stories from Mr. Palmer. He sets a great example in this book of how we all should see the game but also life. A must read for anyone who thinks of their self as a part of "Arnie's Army".
May 2, 2019
This is a positive and uplifting autobiography by the great golfer, Arnold Palmer. The book tells a variety of anecdotes about Palmer's life, stressing the importance of living a value-laden life, with love and meaning in it.
February 20, 2022
A Life Well Played
The simplicity of the presentation technique in Arnold Palmer’s final book is unexpectedly attractive. He takes ideas that has guided his life and career and offers them in snack like pieces (“chapters” are rarely longer than three pages). These short little essays basically this formula: “I found this to be an important truth; allow me to demonstrate how.” This format offers insight after insight as to what a gift Mr. Palmer was to the golf world. I loved the book and I, as do many others, sure miss Arnie. As he acknowledged the great influence on his life of his father, Deacon Palmer, it must be acknowledged that Arnie served as the golf father figure for players of my era.
The simplicity of the presentation technique in Arnold Palmer’s final book is unexpectedly attractive. He takes ideas that has guided his life and career and offers them in snack like pieces (“chapters” are rarely longer than three pages). These short little essays basically this formula: “I found this to be an important truth; allow me to demonstrate how.” This format offers insight after insight as to what a gift Mr. Palmer was to the golf world. I loved the book and I, as do many others, sure miss Arnie. As he acknowledged the great influence on his life of his father, Deacon Palmer, it must be acknowledged that Arnie served as the golf father figure for players of my era.
September 19, 2025
Grandfatherly advice on golf, life, relationships, and the value of hard work.
October 26, 2016
This was Arnold Palmer’s 13th book, and the sequel to his 1999 autobiography A Golfer’s Life. The book, which was published shortly after his death on September 25 at age 87, features 75 short stories on a wide range of topics under the headings of Golf, Life and Business. As a bonus, on the audiobook version of the book, Arnie reads the beginning section of the book, be it in a very weak voice.
Arnie writes that the biggest influence in golf and life was his father, “Paps”. He taught him to be a sportsman and good sportsmanship. He rode him hard and rarely complimented him. His parents taught him manners and respect. Other major influences on his were his first wife Winnie, agent Mark McCormack, and the game of golf.
Of the 75 stories Palmer includes here, I had many favorites. Among them were:
• His love of Latrobe Country Club (he considered Latrobe to be home), Bay Hill, and Pebble Beach.
• His thoughts about Jack Nicklaus
• Playing boldly, charging and going for broke
• Arnie’s Army
• His thoughts on civility, trust (sealing some of his most important business deals with just a handshake), and listening well.
• Signing autographs (and doing a good job of it too)
• His love and devotion to first wife Winnie
• His love of flying. He wrote that had he not made a career of playing golf, he would have most likely been an airline pilot.
• His heroes (his father, Bryon Nelson, Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones).
• His charity efforts, especially those related to children
• His relationship to Ike (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
• Golf course design. He still had plans to design the “ultimate course”
• The Golf Channel, which he co-founded
• The Arnold Palmer drink (iced tea and lemonade)
Arnie admits that he never really liked the nickname “The King”. As far as his legacy, he would like to be remembered as the caretaker of the game of golf and its integrity. He writes that he is the most thankful person because he got to live out his dream of playing golf for a living.
I enjoyed these stories from Arnie a great deal. There was no one that had a bigger impact on the game of golf than Arnie. I had the pleasure of seeing him at several tournaments, including many times at his tournament at Bay Hill, as well as when he played an opening round at a local course he designed. I highly recommend this book to all golf fans.
Arnie writes that the biggest influence in golf and life was his father, “Paps”. He taught him to be a sportsman and good sportsmanship. He rode him hard and rarely complimented him. His parents taught him manners and respect. Other major influences on his were his first wife Winnie, agent Mark McCormack, and the game of golf.
Of the 75 stories Palmer includes here, I had many favorites. Among them were:
• His love of Latrobe Country Club (he considered Latrobe to be home), Bay Hill, and Pebble Beach.
• His thoughts about Jack Nicklaus
• Playing boldly, charging and going for broke
• Arnie’s Army
• His thoughts on civility, trust (sealing some of his most important business deals with just a handshake), and listening well.
• Signing autographs (and doing a good job of it too)
• His love and devotion to first wife Winnie
• His love of flying. He wrote that had he not made a career of playing golf, he would have most likely been an airline pilot.
• His heroes (his father, Bryon Nelson, Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones).
• His charity efforts, especially those related to children
• His relationship to Ike (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
• Golf course design. He still had plans to design the “ultimate course”
• The Golf Channel, which he co-founded
• The Arnold Palmer drink (iced tea and lemonade)
Arnie admits that he never really liked the nickname “The King”. As far as his legacy, he would like to be remembered as the caretaker of the game of golf and its integrity. He writes that he is the most thankful person because he got to live out his dream of playing golf for a living.
I enjoyed these stories from Arnie a great deal. There was no one that had a bigger impact on the game of golf than Arnie. I had the pleasure of seeing him at several tournaments, including many times at his tournament at Bay Hill, as well as when he played an opening round at a local course he designed. I highly recommend this book to all golf fans.
December 15, 2016
September 24, 2016, the day the golf world lost Arnold Palmer, was also a day the entire planet lost perhaps the greatest gentleman and humanitarian to ever play the game. For some inexplicable reason, Palmer’s passing at 87 struck this reviewer as a day not unlike another September day fifteen years earlier. America’s second “day of infamy” which also involved the state of Pennsylvania, Palmer’s own birth place. For someone who was never good at the game, never played competitive golf, never had a lesson, to this day rarely watches golf on television, Palmer’s earthly departure came as a huge shock to me. I can only conclude that despite my personal disinterest in the game, he had been a lifetime hero of mine. I never knew that until Arnie’s life was over.
Suddenly, I wanted to read everything I could get my hands on about Arnold Palmer. I watched part of his memorial service on the Golf Channel. I even purchased an expensive Newsweek magazine tribute issue on his life. After reading it, I even shared it with some golfing friends. It’s ironic that “Arnold Palmer: A Life Well Played” would be published the same year as his death.
Whether you’re a golfer or not, this is a must read. Here in 75-plus, extremely short chapters, the so-called “king of golf” unveils his stories and the lessons he’s learned about the sport, about life and about business. In these 258 pages, you’ll meet some of the most influential people in Palmer’s life: his father, his first wife, his first agent, President Dwight Eisenhower just to name the top four. And you’ll also learn why Palmer never cared for the nickname “the King.”
You can visit http://www.arnoldpalmer.com and re-live the golfing legend’s life as well as view his entire memorial service. Or, you can pick up Palmer’s collection of “my stories” and come away with one major thought. Here was not only “a life well played” but is a life well-written!
Suddenly, I wanted to read everything I could get my hands on about Arnold Palmer. I watched part of his memorial service on the Golf Channel. I even purchased an expensive Newsweek magazine tribute issue on his life. After reading it, I even shared it with some golfing friends. It’s ironic that “Arnold Palmer: A Life Well Played” would be published the same year as his death.
Whether you’re a golfer or not, this is a must read. Here in 75-plus, extremely short chapters, the so-called “king of golf” unveils his stories and the lessons he’s learned about the sport, about life and about business. In these 258 pages, you’ll meet some of the most influential people in Palmer’s life: his father, his first wife, his first agent, President Dwight Eisenhower just to name the top four. And you’ll also learn why Palmer never cared for the nickname “the King.”
You can visit http://www.arnoldpalmer.com and re-live the golfing legend’s life as well as view his entire memorial service. Or, you can pick up Palmer’s collection of “my stories” and come away with one major thought. Here was not only “a life well played” but is a life well-written!
November 21, 2016
I first became a fan of Arnold Palmer around 1963 when I was nine years old. Within a few years I bought a very cheap beginners set of clubs, and I was hooked. When ever I actually made a good putt, I'd dance around...giving a big "thumbs-up", acting like I was Arnie sinking a long putt to win a tournament on the 18th green.
That was nearly 50 years ago now. And while the quality of my play has had its ups and downs over time, the love of the sport and admiration of the guy who initially inspired me has done nothing but grow stronger.
As I read this book, its was like listening to Arnie narrating his life's story in his own words, and it's now a treasured addition to my personal library. It brought back many fond memories of my own, and while I don't physically dance around the green anymore (but still give a "Thumbs-up")...those memories are laden with Mr. Palmer's fingerprints.
Thanks Arnie.....it was a well played life indeed !
That was nearly 50 years ago now. And while the quality of my play has had its ups and downs over time, the love of the sport and admiration of the guy who initially inspired me has done nothing but grow stronger.
As I read this book, its was like listening to Arnie narrating his life's story in his own words, and it's now a treasured addition to my personal library. It brought back many fond memories of my own, and while I don't physically dance around the green anymore (but still give a "Thumbs-up")...those memories are laden with Mr. Palmer's fingerprints.
Thanks Arnie.....it was a well played life indeed !
November 18, 2016
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Arnold Palmer lived an extraordinary and principled life. This autobiography is wonderful read for golfers and non-golfers alike. Palmer has great pride in his game, but still is very humble about his myriad accomplishments. Joseph Campbell talked about the concept of Satchitananda, which is Sanskrit for being, conciousness, and bliss. He said that he wasn't sure if his being was the correct way of being or that his conciousness was the correct conciousness, but if he followed his bliss the other two would follow. Arnold Palmer is a prime example of following one's bliss and it leading to a far fuller life.
October 23, 2016
(2). I reserved this book before Palmer died, so it becomes an almost nostalgic read. The longest chapter may be 4 pages, so there are lots of stories, anecdotes and life lessons here. Mot of it is very simple stuff, reflecting Arnold's common sense look at life, which he attributes mightily to his father. A few interesting golf stories, a few interesting business stories and a few interesting looks at how he lived make up the 250 pages. Very light reading but nicely played by one of the most important sports figures of my generation.
November 21, 2016
Great book. I'm a big fan of Palmer, the man, since I was born well after his prime in golf. This book is a collection of life lessons on a number of topics. It is like sitting down with your grandfather and learning a life time of helpful hints. He discusses everything from golf, to business, to basic manners and his thoughts on how to be a gentleman. This was published shortly before his passing and it was sad at times when he wrote about the many things he still planned on accomplishing. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2016
I loved this book. I have always admired Arnold Palmer, he was introduced to me by my dad, also an avid golfer, dad was definitely part of Arnies army. If you .i,e golf, or even if you don't, but admire hard working, honest people who do good in this world, then you will like this book, it is not so much about golf, but about life, and how it can be played so very well.
November 18, 2016
Arnold shares some great stories, golf tips/via, life lessons and a behind the scenes look into his business empire. And yes the story of the Arnold Palmer drink is a good one. Overall it's a bit stodgy but entertaining.
November 25, 2016
My dad loved Arnold Palmer. My home memories have golf playing on the TV nonstop. The Golf Channel didn't exist then so it really couldn't have been nonstop, but it on was regularly with a commentator with a soft, subdued voice. This one's for you Dad!
December 16, 2016
Reading this book was like listening to Arnold palmer speak directly to me. His stories, values, and humbleness come through in this book. Even after achieving world fame and being THE KING, Arnie retained his small town roots and values. I am so glad I read this book.
December 13, 2016
Great stories about golf, life and business. I enjoyed some of the first person accounts of how he started some of his business ventures. Chapters are short, but stories are powerful. Really pleasant read that can be finished in 2-3 days.
February 6, 2017
Wonderful read for all sports fans. Arnold Palmer has always been one of my favorite golfers, and even athletes of all-time. His last published book is an account of numerous stories and collections of thoughts. A Life Well Played is a quick read, and one worth checking out.
March 29, 2017
Not only a golfing legend but also a wonderful human being. The world is richer for his presence.
Many wonderful life lessons to be taken from this articulate account of the great mans life. Arnie thank you for what you have given in a wonderful life.
Many wonderful life lessons to be taken from this articulate account of the great mans life. Arnie thank you for what you have given in a wonderful life.
April 11, 2017
Great overview of the life of Arnold Palmer-he was one heck of a businessman, for sure-had his finger in every pie, it seems..
error p.221(hit it through the tree a few times..)??
error p.221(hit it through the tree a few times..)??
December 18, 2016
Very short and easy to read format of stories Arnold Palmer shares about his life and golf. A feel good book, especially if you are old school.
December 27, 2016
A solid 3.5 stars, add one more for golfers and fans of the game.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
January 10, 2017
In addition to being one of golf's greatest players, Arnold Palmer was a true gentleman and all-around good guy. The world could sure use more folks like him.
February 6, 2017
I read this one as part of a reading challenge and although I am not a huge golf fan I did enjoy the book. I learned a lot about the industry of golf as well as the the life of Arnold Palmer.
September 8, 2023
The golf stories were expected, but listening to the details of tournaments a few decades ago isn’t the reason I was interested in this book. It was everything else about his life that I was eager to learn about.
He was a humble, hard working man who loved his family, and his business acumen was as sharp or sharper than his golf game. Highlights include 100+ dry cleaning operations to car dealerships, designing over 300 golf courses, part owner of Pebble Beach GC among others, golf club manufacturing and selling 400 million cans of Arnold Palmer iced tea annually.
Spokesperson for Hertz, Pennzoil, Cadillac and Rolex, and co-founder of the Golf Channel, his personal life was amazing. He also became a licensed airplane and helicopter pilot. This was just a great glimpse into the life of an amazing ambassador to the game of golf and to the dignity of the game of golf.
He was a humble, hard working man who loved his family, and his business acumen was as sharp or sharper than his golf game. Highlights include 100+ dry cleaning operations to car dealerships, designing over 300 golf courses, part owner of Pebble Beach GC among others, golf club manufacturing and selling 400 million cans of Arnold Palmer iced tea annually.
Spokesperson for Hertz, Pennzoil, Cadillac and Rolex, and co-founder of the Golf Channel, his personal life was amazing. He also became a licensed airplane and helicopter pilot. This was just a great glimpse into the life of an amazing ambassador to the game of golf and to the dignity of the game of golf.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews