This Day in Arnold Palmer History: March 9

On this date in 1989, Arnold Palmer, playing the first round of the Nestle Invitational, shot an 83 en route to missing the cut. The Nestle is now the Arnold Palmer Invitational, being played this week at Bay Hill in Florida. The round in the 80s occurred as Arnie’s time playing the regular PGA Tour was winding down. Also, in 1964, Palmer lost a playoff in Pensacola. Gary Player shot 71, Palmer 72, and Miller Barber 74. In 1970, Florida prep stars Eddie Pearce, Gary Koch played in a benefit match at Longboat Key, Sarasota, Fla.; G.Player-Koch shoot 64 to defeat Palmer-Pearce by two. And a two-time U.S. Open winner who doesn’t get much respect was born on this date in 1950 in Thorp, Wisconsin. Andy North won the National Open in 1978 and 1985, but only won one other tour event. He now does commentary for ESPN.