“Letters from Arnie” – Charl Schwartzel

Editor’s note: Throughout Arnold Palmer’s career, The King was well known for sending letters of praise to other golfers. Many of his notes were mailed to Masters Tournament champions. This week, The Augusta Chronicle will feature seven letters that Palmer wrote to other major championship winners, including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel.

Charl Schwartzel was searching for momentum.

After starting the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament with a birdie at No. 1 and eagle on No. 3, the South African played his next 11 holes with 10 pars and a bogey (on No. 4).

Then, his putter came alive. With the tournament up for grabs, Schwartzel became the first Masters champion to close with four straight birdies – making putts from 6 feet (No. 15), 15 feet (No. 16), 12 feet (No. 17) and 18 feet on the final hole.

His unprecedented feat did not go unnoticed by Arnold Palmer. In a letter to Schwartzel, he wrote, “Nobody lost it. You won it.”

The Sunday finish gave Schwartzel a 6-under-par 66 – the lowest final round by a winner since Nick Faldo’s 65 in 1989.

Schwartzel finished at 14-under 274 for a two-shot victory over Australian Adam Scott (67 in the final round) and Masters rookie Jason Day (68).

Palmer wrote the letter on April 14, 2011 – four days after Schwartzel’s triumph. Palmer began the four-paragraph note by saying, “What an impressive performance last Sunday! Congratulations on your victory at Augusta.” He then concluded it by inviting the newest green jacket owner to compete in his tournament at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Following Palmer’s passing on Sept. 25, Schwartzel expressed condolences on Twitter, saying, “I am so very sad to hear about the passing of Arnold Palmer, he was an amazing man! True legend.”

Reach Doug Stutsman at (706) 823-3341 or doug.stutsman@augustachronicle.com.