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Game Changers

Meeting Arnold Palmer

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

This week in Orlando as the golf community celebrates the legacy of the legendary Arnold Palmer, I am reminded of all the incredible experiences I have been fortunate enough to’ve had involving Mr. Palmer.
I’ve been lucky to play Bay Hill Club and Lodge on a dozen occasions, and more if you count the numerous almost rounds that were called due to Central Florida summer storms. I’ve played with students, friends and fellow PGA Coaches that work for me. I have spent far too much money in the golf shop, used the storied locker room, and enjoyed wonderful meals at Bay Hill.
The course itself is fantastic, and everywhere you turn, you can recall memories of unforgettable moments from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on every hole. The feeling I get at Bay Hill reminds me of the same comfort I felt at the courses I grew up playing in Central New York — a genuine, warm and welcoming feeling. It is truly a magical place.
When I won the 2017 PGA of America Youth Player Development Award, the Association produced a video to tell my story, most of which was shot at Bay Hill. All the while, my Little Linksters organization hosted 75 kids for one of our tour events right there on Mr. Palmer’s hallowed grounds.
In 2010, I was on hand when Mr. Palmer was inducted into the North Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame during our Annual Meeting. That day and evening was one of the most influential moments of my career.
Mr. Palmer was walking his dog right in front of my car. It was just him and I, standing there. He put out his hand to welcome me, and we chatted for a few minutes. I was in awe. 
Later that night, during cocktail hour, prior to dinner and the Hall of Fame festivities, I was standing in the hallway outside of the dining room with my wife as we talked with fellow PGA of America Members in attendance. 
Then, I felt a big hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Mr. Palmer once again as he exchanged pleasantries with us all. He asked if I had been enjoying my day at Bay Hill. I was in awe that he remembered me from many hours earlier in the day. 
I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Palmer on a few more occasions over the years before he passed in 2016. He was as down-to-earth as you could ever hope one of your childhood heroes would be.
Shortly after my initial visit to Bay Hill, I wrote a letter to Mr. Palmer thanking him for his hospitality. Wouldn't you know it, a few days later, I received a letter back from him. That letter hangs in my office to this day. 
I have been blessed in so many ways because of golf. Each year around this time, I remember one of my most fond memories, that day in the Bay Hill parking lot when I first met The King, a man who reinvigorated my passion for the game.
Thank you, Mr. Palmer.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

[Brendon Elliott, PGA](https://brendonelliott.com/), is an award-winning PGA Professional, player-development coach and nationally recognized golf writer with three decades of experience in the golf industry. As of 2026, he has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has earned more than 25 PGA Section and Chapter honors for his work in coaching, education and player development. In 2017, he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. ## Coaching Competitive Teenage Golfers Through [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home), Brendon specializes in working with competitive teenage golfers who want to improve their performance, better understand their games and prepare for the demands of high school, junior tournament and college golf. His primary focus is [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching), which allows him to remain actively involved in a player’s development regardless of location. Rather than relying on occasional lessons or isolated swing fixes, Brendon works with players throughout their competitive journey. His coaching covers much more than the golf swing. Players receive ongoing guidance in structured practice, short-game development, putting, course management, tournament preparation, performance analysis, goal setting and the mental and physical habits required to improve over time. Using video analysis, virtual coaching sessions, performance data and regular communication, Brendon helps each player understand what to work on, why it matters and how to make meaningful progress between practices and tournaments. Brendon accepts only a limited number of in-person students in Central Florida. His priority is building long-term [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching) relationships with competitive teenage golfers and their families. The goal is not simply to help a young player hit better shots. It is to help that player become more prepared, more accountable and more capable of navigating everything competitive golf demands. Brendon’s career has included serving as a head golf professional, general manager, college golf educator, career development director, academy owner and longtime junior golf leader. He founded Little Linksters Golf Academy in 2008 and led the organization for more than 16 years before selling the academy in late 2024 and launching [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home). ## Golf Writing and Media Brendon is also a nationally recognized and prolific golf writer and storyteller. He is the Senior Golf Writer for [Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/author/brendon-elliott) and has written extensively about professional golf, instruction, player development, equipment, golf history and the people shaping the game. His work has also appeared with PGA.com, GolfWRX, PGA Magazine, MyGolfSpy and several other prominent golf media outlets. Through [One More Roll Golf Media](https://onemorerollgolf.com/), Brendon provides editorial content, feature writing, consulting and media services throughout the golf industry. His background as a coach and educator shapes the way he writes, while his work as a writer strengthens the way he coaches. He understands how to explain complicated ideas clearly, ask better questions and connect the technical, strategic and personal sides of golf.

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