Arnold Palmer Final U.S. Open 1994 Original Tournament Used U.S.G.A. Blue Caddie Bib & Badge
One of Arnie's greatest moments on the golf course was not for his play, but a display of emotions in front of his hometown fans at the 1994 US Open of Oakmont. One final bow. “I probably did more choking [up] coming up the last fairway than I have in the last 40 years,” The King, 64, said when words finally came out. He was by many accounts the most beloved golfer of all-time. This event being just an hour out of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 'Arnie's Army' did not have to travel far - but without question, they would have. On the bag for all 36 holes of ovations for his boss Arnold Palmer and caddie for the last decade, Royce Nielson, wore this special blue USGA 'PALMER' bib to identify Arnold Palmer on the course for tournament operations protocol only. The gallery knew Arnold Palmer's whereabouts Thursday and Friday, as he knew theirs. The white nameplate is velcroed to the verso of this USGA United States Seal logo designed bib. Photo matches for both the front and back sides are included in the lot for reference purposes only. Accompanying this significant caddie bib from Arnold Palmer's final US Open in 1994 is the original 'CADDIE #107' badge issued by the USGA to Palmer's caddie Royce used for two rounds - Arnie’s last two rounds in U.S. Open history. It was a moment in which the game of golf was more important than just the leaderboard. So much more.
Royce Nielson Collection
Mr. Arnold Palmer's caddie, travel companion and confidant from 1983-1995, Royce Nielson, was asked what it was like by a curious 'Golfweek' in 2014. “When I worked for (Mr. Palmer), I used to tell people it was like going around with the Statue of Liberty. People would just be gaping … they couldn’t believe they were really seeing him,” Nielson replied. Few were closer to Arnie than Nielson was for those 13 years. A cake walk right? Royce Nielson shared with us through a wry grin that it wasn't easy work, and he would often put in a 7-day week. Without missing a beat, and heightened vigor, Nielson added how fortunate he was to have enjoyed Arnold Palmer and the game of golf from the unique vantage point that he did. Was Royce Nielson a family friend or business associate with an inside track to get appointed? Quite the contrary. Nielson landed the bag of a lifetime by the combination of happenstance and taking advantage of the opportunity. The young, fledgling golf cart salesman whose territory included Florida, Nielson went to Orlando's Bay Hill in hopes of walking away with a cart order in 1983. Instead he got a bag of clubs from caddiemaster Paul Johnson...to carry. It would be the golf club's owner Arnold Palmer's bag after he quickly impressed Johnson and then his new boss.
Nielson looped for five of Mr. Palmer's professional wins, including his last as a professional and eight Masters Tournaments. In chronological order these Palmer victories were the: 1986 Union Mutual Classic, 1988 Crestar Classic, 1990 and 1992 Senior Skins Game tournaments, and a Canadian Senior Skins Game tournament. Stories were too many to share. However, Royce's animated tale of boxing out the media members just off the 18th at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont to shelter 'The King' who was overcome with emotions following his final US Open walk was certainly a lasting tale from the visit. Royce is now selling these cherished items due to health concerns and lack of heirs to distribute to in the future. It is with our distinct pleasure to offer the Royce Nielson Collection from his time with Arnold Palmer.
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