My Shot When my friend Winnie Palmer (above) died, golf and the world lost a great, gracious lady

The 1962 U.S. Open, in which my husband, Jack, defeated Arnold
Palmer in an 18-hole playoff at Oakmont Country Club, marked
more than the start of a great rivalry. That was when I first
met Winnie Palmer, Arnold's wife--a quiet, friendly, sincere and
gracious lady. Last month, when Winnie died of cancer at age 65,
I lost one of my best friends.

Winnie and I hit it off from the start. I loved being with her,
and admired how she treated presidents, royalty, friends and
fans exactly the same. At tournaments Winnie and I never talked
golf--neither of us play--and sometimes got so caught up in
conversation that we missed a few shots. We knew that while
Arnold and Jack wanted to beat each other's brains out, off the
course we were all friends.

In September, as Hurricane Floyd was threatening Florida, the
phone rang. It was Winnie, concerned for our safety. She was
having difficulty breathing because of her illness, but she took
the time to call. Last April, when Jack missed the Masters for
the first time in 41 years, he decided to go to Augusta anyway
for the champions' dinner. I hadn't planned to join him until
Winnie phoned asking if I would be there. Suddenly I was happy
to make the trip. Winnie, Amy (the Palmers' younger daughter)
and I went shopping, talked about old times and had dinner
together. I'm so glad Winnie asked me to join her--especially
now, as that will be my last memory of her.

Last week Jack and I attended the memorial service for Winnie at
Unity Chapel near Latrobe, Pa. It was a lovely service--quiet
and understated, just what she would have wanted. Winnie sent me
a beautiful teapot recently, and I will always think of her when
I see the words inscribed on it: "A friend is the loving
gardener who inspires the soul to blossom."

That was Winnie. As will so many others, I will miss her.

Barbara and Jack Nicklaus have been married for 39 years.

COLOR PHOTO: JACQUELINE DUVOISIN