In 1990, on the 100th anniversary of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s birth, Arnold Palmer addressed Congress to speak about the former President, who was also his friend.

It was an incredible moment, with one of America’s greatest champions speaking about one of its greatest leaders, and the emotional note Palmer struck was felt by all who witnessed it. Recounting the President’s surprise visit to his home for his 37th birthday, Palmer said, “I asked him the morning he arrived for my birthday what I should call him, ‘Mr. President’, ‘General’…? He said, ‘Arnie, when we’re alone you call me whatever you want. I like “Ike.” When we’re in company if you want to be more formal, it’s perfectly alright with me.’ Another privilege that someone born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the son of a golf pro who raised chickens and pigs to eat, you would never believe.” As Palmer later said of his appearance: “I spoke from the heart about a man I loved like a second father, and Congress gave me—or should I say President Eisenhower—a standing ovation.”

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