Mastercard Debuts Arnold Palmer-Themed Commercial, Renews Deal With HOFer's Estate

As the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational begins this week at Bay Hill, Mastercard is "releasing a commercial that shows how valuable a legend can be, even after his death," according to Matthew Futterman of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The ad shows a "series of scenes in which one character, from children to touring professional golfers, inevitably gives another a piece of advice and ends it with the phrase 'Arnie would.'” Mastercard "recently renewed its relationship with Palmer’s estate." In addition to Mastercard, Arnold Palmer Enterprises Chair Alastair Johnston, Palmer's longtime agent at IMG, has "renewed agreements on behalf of Palmer with the equipment manufacturer Textron, Inc. and Arizona Beverages, which markets flavored iced tea drinks under his name." Earnings from the ​ongoing contracts "go to the series of companies under the umbrella of Arnold Palmer Golf, Inc., as well as well Palmer’s philanthropy, Arnie’s Army" (WSJ.com, 3/13). GOLF DIGEST's Joel Beall wrote under the header, "Try Not To Tear Up At This Arnold Palmer-Themed Commercial." Beall: "Damnit, does this promotion tug on the heart" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 3/13).