PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL — The PGA TOUR announced today that the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, the primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, has been named the 2009 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.

“Congratulations to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center for being named the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year,” said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner. “The Medical Center provides essential medical care for thousands each year and is a worthy recipient of this award. The name Arnold Palmer has always been synonymous with the right things about golf and life, and the fact that a world-class medical facility has his name on it is a fitting tribute.”

The legendary golfer, who was among the first in the world to transform his sport success into a business empire, addressed this group of EDC supporters from a room in the Lodge that he built, overlooking the Bay Hill Golf Course that he recently renovated into what he suggests is among "the best anywhere." Among many topics, Mr. Palmer spoke about his personal satisfaction at seeing the region’s recent growth as a center for the medical research and life science industries.

Arnold Palmer's connection to Central Florida dates back to the 1960s. First coming to Orlando for a tournament in 1962, he saw potential in the region that led him to buy out other investors in the then fledgling Bay Hill Club in 1969. The PGA TOUR event played at Bay Hill annually that bears his name, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has grown from humble beginnings to an event which today accounts for 165 full time jobs; more than $5 million in annual earnings, which translates in to $18.5 total spending; and attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year. Plus, proceeds benefit Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Mr. Palmer's commitment to the EDC goes even further. He personally invests in our organization through the membership of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. One of his goals for addressing this group, which was reinforced by EDC Board Chair Meg Crofton, was to encourage more local businesses to support the work of the Economic Development Commission.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Bay Hill Club & Lodge was a thrilling novel, then Tiger Woods' 15-footer to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March was a fitting end to Volume 1. And just days after closing the book, Arnold Palmer put pen back to paper, leading a renovation of one of golf's most revered venues.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the proud owner at Bay Hill, Arnold Palmer doesn't want to see PGA Tour players light up the scoreboard. As one of the game's great entertainers, Palmer also appreciates that the fans like to see birdies.

Entertainment won this round.

Bay Hill will return to being a par 72 for the Arnold Palmer Invitational after the tournament host reluctantly agreed that fans would rather see players score below par, and that a par 5 on the finishing holes could make the PGA Tour event more exciting.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer will forever be intimately linked to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

And that, perhaps, is the best indicator of how special this private southwest Orlando golf course really is. Marketing executives couldn't dream up a better pair of icons to be associated with their course.

Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.

Tickets go on sale this week for the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Prices range from $15 for youth tickets to $3,000 for Executive Packages. The King’s Club, for $2,000, the ultimate Arnold Palmer Invitational experience, also will be offered again in 2010.

World No. 1 Tiger Woods will be the defending champion for the 32nd annual PGA Tour event at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, to be played on the week of March 22-28, 2010. The four rounds of the tournament will be Thursday through Sunday.

The milestone birthday will be ushered in with a week long celebration beginning in Orlando and then heading to his native state of Pennsylvania.

The magazine is most notable for its captivating photo-journalism and amongst this legendary list of golfers, coming in at number 7, is Arnold Palmer.

"Palmer’s place in history is due to his personality as much as his play (seven majors). As the face of golf when it was first televised, the King helped the sport surge in popularity." said Life Magazine.

View the complete Life Magazine article at http://www.life.com/image/1594692/in-gallery/23372/the-10-greatest-golfers