September 25, 1958

Golfing greats Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus first
met on the golf course at the Athens Country Club
in Athens, Ohio. The event was a celebration for
native son Dow Finsterwald, winner of the 1958
PGA Championship. Due to the significance of the
event, Athens city officials proclaimed September 25, 1958, "Dow
Finsterwald Day" and the day featured an 18-hole exhibition golf
match at the Athens Country Club. Reigning Masters Champion
Arnold Palmer joined his long-time friend Finsterwald for the
exhibition. Outstanding amateur Howard Baker Saunders of Gallipolls
and eighteen year old Jack Nicklaus of Columbus completed the
foursome. Nicklaus, a recent high school graduate, was a promising
amateur with an Ohio State Open title and national Jaycee
championship to his credit.

The better-ball match paired Palmer and Nicklaus vs.
Finsterwald and Saunders. Palmer shot a 62 individually, which bettered the course record of 63 held
by Finsterwald. Nicklaus fired a 68, tying Finsterwald.
while Saunders carded a 71. Palmer and Nicklaus
captured team honors. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus went on
to battle each other as competitors on golf courses around the world, in their
golf businesses, and golf course design. Their intense
rivalry and enduring friendship spanned their careers. It all began
when Arnie



and Jack first teed it up together on this golf course
in September 1958.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Athens, OH  |  Athens County  |  45701  |  Ohio  |  United States of America

Normandy Park
Cutler Botanic Gardens
The Silas Bingham House
Booker T. Washington
Ohio University
Ohio University 1915 Alumni Gateway
Ohio University
Student Voices
The Kissing Circle
Manasseh Cutler Hall

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.