When you hear the name Palmer in golf, one legendary figure immediately comes to mind: Arnold Palmer, affectionately known as 'The King.' But the Palmer legacy on the professional tours didn't end with him. This article will properly introduce you to the professional golfer who proudly carries on that famous family name - his own grandson. We’ll look at the incredible story of his relationship with Palmer, the challenges and advantages of playing under that iconic name, and what you can learn from his unique journey.
The touring professional directly related to Arnold Palmer is his grandson, Sam Saunders. He is the son of Arnold's younger daughter, Amy Palmer Saunders, and her husband, Roy Saunders, who himself was a talented college golfer and influential figure in course management and development.
Sam’s connection to 'The King' is more than just a line on a family tree, it was a daily part of his upbringing. He grew up living just yards away from his grandfather at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida - the very epicenter of Arnold Palmer's world. This proximity meant that from a very young age, Sam's relationship with golf was shaped directly by one of its greatest pioneers. His playground was the practice green, and his swing coach was an icon. This unique apprenticeship gave him an unparalleled education in the game, but it also came with a spotlight that few other aspiring golfers ever have to face.
For most of us, getting golf tips involves watching a YouTube video or maybe booking an occasional lesson. For Sam Saunders, learning the game meant hopping on a golf cart and getting advice straight from the source. The relationship wasn't just about a famous grandfather passing down a few swing thoughts, it was an immersive education in what it takes to be a complete golfer.
Arnold Palmer was deeply involved in Sam’s development as a player. He was, of course, a technical advisor who helped hone Sam's swing and competitive edge. Many memorable stories feature the two of them grinding on the range at Bay Hill or playing head-to-head for bragging rights - matches that were often far more intense than a friendly family game. Palmer famously never just gave Sam a victory, he made him earn it.
But the lessons went far beyond the mechanics of the swing. Sam learned invaluable intangibles from 'The King':
While the access and mentorship were an incredible advantage, the Palmer name also carried an immense weight. As soon as Sam showed promise in junior golf, the expectations were enormous. From college at Clemson University to his professional debut, he wasn’t just evaluated as Sam Saunders, the aspiring golfer, he was "Arnold Palmer's grandson."
This scrutiny meant every accomplishment was measured against an impossible standard, and every setback was magnified. The name opened doors, but it also painted a target on his back. To make a career for himself, Sam had to prove that he belonged on tour because of his own skill and determination, not just his bloodline. This pressure to forge his own identity while honoring his family's legacy has been a central theme of his entire career.
While his grandfather’s guidance was instrumental, you don’t stay on the PGA TOUR without serious game. Sam Saunders has worked tirelessly to build a successful career based on his own merit. He turned professional in 2008 and embarked on the difficult journey that thousands of young pros face: trying to rise through the ranks.
He spent years honing his craft on the developmental tours, primarily the Korn Ferry Tour (what was then the Web.com Tour). This is the hard-scrabble reality of professional golf, a world of rental cars, modest hotels, and constant pressure to make cuts and earn a check. It was on these tours that Saunders truly solidified his identity as a professional, earning his PGA TOUR card multiple times through his consistent play.
On the PGA TOUR, he has registered multiple top-10 finishes and shown flashes of the aggressive firepower that defined his grandfather's game. One of his most notable performances came at the 2015 B-Say-Pebble-Beach-Pro-Am, where a final-round 67 put him in contention. In 2017, he played in the final group on Sunday at the Genesis Open, ultimately finishing just a few shots behind the winner. These moments proved to everyone - and most likely, to himself - that he could compete with the world’s best on the biggest stage. Each strong finish was another step out from under the immense shadow of his grandfather and into the light of his own achievements.
If you watch Sam Saunders play, you can see subtle and not-so-subtle reminders of 'The King.' The most obvious trait is their shared attacking mindset. Much like Palmer, Saunders is not afraid to play aggressively and pull driver where others might lay up. His powerful swing is built to hit the ball a long way, and he carries himself with a confident swagger that feels very familiar to anyone who followed Palmer’s career.
Beyond course strategy, Sam has become a steward of his grandfather's legacy. This is never more apparent than during the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. For Saunders, this tournament is more than just another stop on the PGA TOUR schedule, it's a home game on the course he grew up on, honoring the man who taught him everything. He often shares stories about his grandfather during the tournament week and has become a de facto ambassador for Palmer’s enduring impact on the game.
The fans feel the connection, too. 'Arnie's Army,' the legion of devoted followers that Palmer amassed over his career, naturally rallies around Sam. When he walks the fairways at Bay Hill, you can feel the warmth and support from a gallery that sees him as a living link to their hero.
The story of Sam Saunders and Arnold Palmer isn't just a piece of golf trivia, it contains some powerful lessons that every golfer can apply to their own game.
Sam Saunders could have spent his entire life trying to perfectly imitate Arnold Palmer's swing. But he understood that he had to build a game that worked for his body and his talents. For the everyday golfer, this is a vital idea. It’s fun to try and copy Rory McIlroy's turn or Scottie Scheffler's footwork, but real improvement comes from identifying your own strengths and weaknesses. Work with the swing you have to develop a repeating motion that you can trust, rather than chasing an imitation of someone else's.
Sam had the greatest mentor a golfer could ask for, but he still had to interpret those lessons and make them his own. We are surrounded by golf instruction - from coaches, magazines, online videos, and our well-meaning playing partners. The skill is not just in collecting advice, but in filtering it. Take what works for you and discard what doesn't. Understand the ‘why’ behind a tip, and then figure out how it applies to your unique game.
Imagine the pressure Sam feels standing over a pivotal putt, knowing that his result will be broadcast with the tagline "Arnold Palmer's grandson." He succeeds by focusing on the same thing we should all focus on during our own tense moments: the process. Whether it is first-tee jitters or a short putt to finally break 90, the key is to quiet the external noise. Forget the outcome, forget what others might think, and put all your attention on your pre-shot routine and making a good, committed swing.
The pro golfer proudly carrying on the Arnold Palmer family legacy is his grandson, Sam Saunders. His an incredible journey, defined by both the unprecedented access to one of golf's greatest minds and the immense pressure that comes with playing in the shadow of 'The King'. By forging his own identity and career, he has successfully honored his grandfather while proving he belongs at golf's highest level.
Just as Sam had access to his grandfather for one-on-one advice, every golfer today can benefit from having a trusted expert in their corner. We believe playing with more confidence comes from having clear, simple guidance when you need it most. That’s why we built Caddie AI to be your personal golf expert, available 24/7. Whether you need a smart strategy for a tough hole, aren’t sure what club to hit for a tricky lie, or want to understand a fundamental of the game, our app provides the instant, on-course advice that used to be a luxury. We handle the hard thinking so a confident swing is your only focus.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
