By 19th Hole Staff
As we enjoyed the thrills of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills and celebrated Father’s Day on June 18, it was befitting to toast the late Arnold Palmer’s legacy and achievements. In particular, we raised our glasses to Palmer’s legendary victory at the 1960 U.S. Open, widely considered the greatest comeback in the tournament’s 117-year history.
Heading into the final round on June 18, 1960 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, CO, Arnold Palmer was seven strokes behind the lead and tied for 15th place. Remarkably, Palmer managed to obliterate his opponents and erase the seven-shot deficit to clinch the final round with a six-under score of 65 — his first and only U.S. Open Championship title.
Anyone who crossed Arnold Palmer’s path was fortunate to meet him – and the Nolet family, creators of Ketel One Vodka, felt very fortunate indeed. Rooted in Mr. Palmer’s winning tradition and honoring his unparalleled legacy, the Nolet family has created a limited edition Ketel One Vodka bottle as a “Thank You” to Arnold Palmer for his impact on the world and the game many love so much.
The Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition bottle reads, “Dear Mr. Palmer, This one’s for you.” The nostalgic black and white vignette of Mr. Palmer on the course is accented with his iconic signature and an open golf umbrella in red, yellow, white and green—his company logo since 1961.
To the Nolets, golf champion and Presidential Medal of Freedom Award winner Arnold Palmer was a mentor and a friend; he was simply “Arnie.” Dedicated to his family and community, Mr. Palmer spent his life giving back to the game and those in need. A master of his craft, he earned 62 PGA Tour victories. At the end of play, Mr. Palmer celebrated with a Ketel One on the rocks with a slice of lemon; it was his signature “19th hole.”
The Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka is available at Reserve Bar online, or local retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $24.99 (750ml) and $31.99 (1L).
PHOTO CREDIT: Above photograph of Arnold Palmer is from a previously published article in 19th Hole Magazine: “The Classic Palmer,” a book by John Feinstein and photographed by Walter Iooss, courtesy of Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
TRY MR. PALMER’S SIGNATURE “19TH HOLE” COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka
- Lemon twist (Organic Lemon suggested)
- Ice
Directions:
Stir with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube or a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
ARNOLD PALMER KETEL ONE LEMONADE
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka
- 3 oz. freshly squeezed lemonade (Organic suggested)
- Ice
Directions:
Build in a Collins glass over ice. Add 1.5 oz. Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka. Top with 3 oz. fresh lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
ARNOLD PALMER KETEL ONE TEE TIME
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz. Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka
- 3 oz. iced tea
- 0.75 oz. fresh lemon juice (Organic suggested)
- 0.75 oz. simple syrup
- 0.25 oz. elderflower liqueur
- Ice
Directions:
Build in a Collins glass over ice. Add 1.5 oz. Arnold Palmer Collector’s Edition Ketel One Vodka. Stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Please indulge responsibly!