The 7-time major winner, “The King” Arnold Palmer, retired from tournament golf on October 13, 2006. Seven years prior to that, he had a mansion built for him at the Tradition Golf Club, which he called his “Rancho Relaxo.”

Tamara Baron and Mike Patakas of Desert Sotheby’s International Realty have the listing of the estate. 

“This was his spot,” said Baron.

Palmer designed many golf courses, and the Tradition Golf Club was one of them. His home was just 164 steps away from the clubhouse.  

“He used to love to sit out on the patio and tell everybody what they did wrong (in golf).”

The estate, being on the second fairway, was Arnold’s place of practice and socialization after his retirement.

The estate is listed at $5 million, and some of its features are an open-concept living space, a heated driveway built through tiles from Arto Saltillo, and 16-foot-high wood beam ceilings in the giant room. 

A wooden front door, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a fireplace, and a walk-in closet significantly add to its vintage style.

The mansion consists of guest quarters that open up to a private patio. This provides utmost privacy from the primary suite. Custom built-in cabinets in the reworked primary bath, countertops of limestone, and fixtures from Axor add to the valuation.

The kitchen, remodeled with DeWils shaker cabinetry, includes products by Fisher & Paykel and Caesarstone kitchen platforms. The rear patio, expanded by Saltillo tiles, still has two leather armchairs that were used by Palmer.  

The estate still has Palmer’s memorabilia. His golf cart, with all its "scraps and bumps and dings," as Baron stated, remains there.

How Arnold Palmer Is Remembered

“He was more than a golfer or even a great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself,” said Jack Nicklaus when asked about Palmer.

Palmer successfully created a brand that survived the test of retirement. Rather, it grew after he retired.

The Arnold Palmer drink, the Arnold Palmer brand, and its success are a testament to the narrative that Palmer was the “People’s Champion.”

“You inspired millions, you changed the game,” said Jordan Spieth. Palmer certainly transcended golf. 

A constant search for new challenges, an interest in philanthropy, and being an inspiration to others are how Palmer will be remembered.

“If I can give young people something to think about, like the future, that's a better use of my time.”

The king indeed lived like a king. 

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Shraabona Sengupta