Palmer returns to site of one of greatest triumphs

Palmer recalled the day Tiger Woods called him while he was still in college and asked to meet him for dinner. For three hours, Woods picked his brain about the tour.

"He knew he could play, but he didn't know how the other things could affect him," Palmer said. "I can say right now he is a guy that has stuck pretty much to the principles of the game and the things I suggested that he follow."

The question this week at the Palmer Cup, which pits top collegiate players from the United States and Europe, is how tough will it be, with four-ball matches starting Wednesday, for players to drive No. 1 like Palmer?

"I hit it 10 yards short yesterday in the rain, so with a good day I believe I can," said Stanford's Steve Ziegler, who is from nearby Broomfield. "I thought about playing a joke on him and pulling a lob wedge or putter out and being playful. But there's no way I'm pulling out anything but a driver on the first hole."

Ziegler, one of eight U.S. team members, said the event means so much more with Palmer being in attendance.

To thank Palmer for his continued support of the game, Cherry Hills and the competition bearing his name, he was given a framed copy of the 2009 program along with a limited-edition replica red visor that he had heaved into the crowd on that day in 1960. Only 36 visors were made.

The original was obtained from a Fort Collins man, who was just 11 when he nabbed the visor while watching from the 18th hole. It is now on display at the USGA's museum.

"We're going to see some great matches, but it doesn't matter who wins or loses," Palmer said. "It's about the guys who play the game and play it right."