Rickie Fowler Honored with Arnie Award at Bay Hill Ceremony

Fowler recognized for his charitable efforts and embodiment of Arnold Palmer's spirit

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Rickie Fowler, a 6-time PGA Tour winner, was presented the Arnie Award at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida. The award honors Fowler's foundation's work with youth-oriented charitable causes and his generosity, emulating the late golfing legend Arnold Palmer's example of giving back to the game.

Why it matters

Fowler's recognition with the Arnie Award highlights his commitment to honoring Palmer's legacy and continuing the philanthropic work that made Palmer such a beloved figure in golf. As a younger generation of golfers, Fowler has sought to carry on Palmer's spirit of engaging with fans and using his platform to support important causes.

The details

Fowler received the Arnie Award on Tuesday at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, where the Arnold Palmer Invitational is held each year. Golf Digest presented Fowler the award for his foundation's efforts with youth-oriented charitable causes and his generosity, including signing autographs tirelessly like Palmer did. Fowler's relationship with Palmer began 20 years ago at Bay Hill when the 17-year-old Fowler won an AJGA event, prompting Palmer to introduce himself. The two became friends, with Fowler later recalling fond memories of Palmer's golf skills and influence.

  • Fowler won an AJGA event at Bay Hill in 2006.
  • Fowler carded a 63 at the Seminole Pro-Member in 2011, drawing praise from Palmer a few days later at Bay Hill.
  • Palmer passed away in September 2016.
  • In 2017, Fowler recalled Palmer's golf skills and influence a year after his passing.
  • Fowler was presented the Arnie Award on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Rickie Fowler

A 6-time PGA Tour winner who has sought to honor the legacy of the late Arnold Palmer through his charitable work and generosity towards fans.

Arnold Palmer

The legendary golfer who passed away in 2016 and was known for his approachability, charitable efforts, and impact on the game of golf.

Amy Saunders

Arnold Palmer's daughter, who was present at the Arnie Award ceremony.

Sam Saunders

Amy Saunders' son, who presented the Arnie Award to Fowler and spoke about Fowler embodying Palmer's spirit.

Yutaka Tanaka

Fowler's grandfather, who brought him to the Murrieta Valley Golf Range where Fowler began learning golf at age 7.

Barry McDonnell

Fowler's late coach, who began instructing him at the Murrieta Valley Golf Range when Fowler was 7 years old.

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What they’re saying

“To have him as someone that I was able to look up to, to learn from to try and be as much like him as possible — he obviously helped pave the way and set a great example for the rest of us in the game.”

— Rickie Fowler (yahoo.com)

“It's hard to describe what this award fully encompasses, but I definitely appreciate it. We definitely miss him.”

— Rickie Fowler (yahoo.com)

“That's one of the best days of my life.”

— Rickie Fowler (yahoo.com)

“You did things a little differently. You did things like my grandfather did. There's so many great players in the world, but it takes a really special individual to be able to look outside themselves sometimes and put their own needs as a player on the back burner and put the good of the game in front. I know my granddad would be so proud to have you associated with this award, because you truly do embody the spirit of Arnold Palmer, and the game of golf is better because you played it.”

— Sam Saunders, Arnold Palmer's grandson (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Fowler will tee it up on Thursday at the 48th annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he will look to continue honoring Palmer's legacy through his play and charitable efforts.

The takeaway

Rickie Fowler's recognition with the Arnie Award demonstrates how the next generation of golfers can carry on the spirit of legends like Arnold Palmer by using their platform to give back to the game and its fans. Fowler's commitment to youth-oriented causes and his generosity towards fans mirrors Palmer's own approach, making him a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor.