The tributes to Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill this week will be shared all week. But it'll be hard to beat how Rickie Fowler is honoring The King at at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The King's influence on the game (and sports) is unmatched and chief among that is his impact on golf style. Fittingly, as his generation's equivalent of defining "cool" in a fashion-forward sense, Fowler has partnered with Puma to honor Palmer in an awesome way -- and one you can take part in.
Fowler will wear the special-edition Puma shoes in Wednesday's practice round at Bay Hill, and the second pair will auctioned off for charity starting Wednesday and running through Sunday to benefit Arnie's Army Charitable Foundation. (check puma.com for more info)
Arnie's signature was laser-engraved on the Velcro strap of the shoes, designed by Dominic Chambrone, known in the apparel world as The Shoe Surgeon. You can see the iconic umbrella logo behind the tongue of the left shoe, and on the right side, there's a quote from Rickie on Arnie's influence. Here's what it says from the shoe:
Look at the detailing and all the photos used in this design. Amazing.
And Rickie holding the shoes -- looks like he's rightfully excited.
The winner of the auction will also receive a custom-engraved wooden shoe box with The King's signature and dates from his life.
We love all the tributes we're seeing from Bay Hill. But we can all take our hats off to Cobra/Puma and Rickie combining to do this for charity in Arnie's name. Well done all around.
(additional reporting by Ashley Mayo)
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