The Umbrella Story
After winning the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills, Mark McCormack said about Arnold Palmer, "Instead of a mere hot commodity, he became an immortal in alligator shoes." The Palmer empire of business interests was exploding across the globe.
In 1961, as part of an overall business strategy, Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Inc. was established. Now that they had a name, they needed a corporate logo.
Just after 'APE' was formed, Arnie and a group of business associates were sitting around a conference table in Ligonier, PA.
They were attempting to brainstorm some kind of signature logo they could use on clothing, business stationery, golf clubs and so forth. In the preceding days the group had come up with a number of promising ideas ranging from crossed golf clubs to laurel leaves. But upon deeper investigation, they determined these symbols were either too commonplace to have any real meaning or they were already trademarked by other organizations.
The frustration level in the meeting was rising and Arnie went to walk it off only to find it was raining outside. He saw a lovely woman get out of her car and pop open a multi-colored umbrella. Arnie dashed back into the conference room.
The Ubiquitous Umbrella
A major reason for the logo's ubiquity and popularity is Arnold Palmer himself. Arnie always understood the importance of building and maintaining a brand. Over the past half-century, there's rarely been a time when he hasn't been wearing the umbrella logo.
"What about an umbrella?" said Arnie. Someone at the table shot back, "What kind of umbrella?' Arnie suggested a multi-colored golf umbrella. A few heads bobbed in agreement. But nobody was even close to calling it a good idea, yet. Somebody told Arnie not to get his hopes up too high because it would be a miracle if someone hadn't already trademarked it. Despite the odds, the group decided to have their lawyers investigate the symbol.
A few weeks later their legal team was surprised and pleased to learn that nobody worldwide had trademarked the multi-panel umbrella symbol. Suddenly Arnie had his new company logo - an open golf umbrella done in four colors; red, yellow, white and green.
Icon
What started as just an idea of happenstance would transform into one of the most recognized icons around the world. Particularly in the Asian marketplace, the Arnold Palmer Umbrella is legendary.
What started as just an idea of happenstance would transform into one of the most recognized icons around the world. Particularly in the Asian marketplace, the Arnold Palmer Umbrella is legendary. Across every demographic you see consumers sporting the Arnold Palmer golf umbrella on a wide variety of fashions and retail goods.
A major reason for the logo's ubiquity and popularity is Arnold Palmer himself. Arnie always understood the importance of building and maintaining a brand. Over the past half-century, there's rarely been a time when he hasn't been wearing the umbrella logo. Same is true for APE associates. Whenever they're at a golfing event or business function, Arnold Palmer Enterprises employees proudly display their umbrella lapel pins.