Palmer, West watch action at Greenbrier

Arnold Palmer chats with Bill Campbell during the first round of the Greenbrier Classic.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – With Greenbrier pro emeritus Tom Watson away competing in the U.S. Senior Open, Arnold Palmer lent a Hall of Fame presence. So did a local legend better known for his talents making a slightly bigger ball go through a net.

Palmer flew into Greenbrier Valley Airport this morning to watch his grandson, Sam Saunders, play in the first round of the inaugural Greenbrier Classic.

Palmer stood by the first tee at 8:50 a.m. when Saunders teed off. He walked outside the ropes among ticket holders on the front nine, and later watched Saunders’ hole out on No. 18 from the Chairman’s Box.

Palmer sat next to his wife, Kit, and West Virginia basketball great Jerry West. The hoops star, who owns a steakhouse restaurant at the Greenbrier Resort, signed autographs for the Greenbrier East High School girls’ varsity team. The Spartans took turns marshaling at the 18th green and wore their team uniforms. Their coach? None other than Greenbrier owner Jim Justice.