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A walking bridge leading to the third hole at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad was dedicated to course architect Arnold Palmer as part of the club's 25th anniversary celebrations.
A walking bridge leading to the third hole at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad was dedicated to course architect Arnold Palmer as part of the club’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
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As part of Aviara Golf Club’s 25-year anniversary celebration, the resort course in Carlsbad in mid-August dedicated a walking bridge on the par-3 third hole to golf icon and course designer Arnold Palmer.

And the King, who is ailing and unable to travel, appreciated the gesture.

“I was delighted when I was chosen to design and oversee the construction of Aviara and was pleased how well it turned out,” Palmer wrote in a letter to Aviara management when he learned of the bridge dedication. “It has obviously withstood the test of time, considering its choice as a tournament site for the LPGA Tour. How nice that my name will be forever posted on the bridge at the third hole. I certainly appreciate that gesture. Here’s to another great 25 years and many more.”

Aviara, which has played host to the LPGA Tour’s Kia Classic the past four years, has appeared in best U.S. resort course listings in Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. The Bataquitos Lagoon is incorporated into the layout, which also features rolling hills, water challenges, strategic bunkering and an abundance of colorful wildflowers.

The third hole at the only coastal course in the state designed by Palmer is a 152-yard shot to a green that has water in front and in back of the putting surface.