Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Relationship with Two Remarkable Men

Book Synopsis: I can say with complete conviction that there isn’t a person, past or present, who knows more about Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and the stories that took place between the two of us — and individually — than Charlie Mechem. —Jack Nicklaus

Charles Mechem’s remarkable business career spanned six decades and included stints as a lawyer, a media executive, and the commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

But for Charlie, some of the most memorable moments of his rich life occurred alongside his good friends, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

In Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men, Charlie takes golf fans behind the scenes, detailing with energy and wit – and sometimes solemnity – why these great icons of the course excelled at both work and play. It’s an unusual perspective. Charlie grew to know Jack well in the early 1970s, when Jack designed a golf course for Taft Broadcasting Company. Then, after Charlie retired from the LPGA, Arnie asked him to be his consultant and advisor for the next 10 years. They even shared an office.

The trio became fast and good friends, allowing Charlie to witness firsthand the deep fondness and respect that Arnie and Jack held for each other as professionals and friends.

In Arnie and Jack, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to many of golf’s cherished moments in locales rich in history. On the course, pro-golf’s famous Bay Hill, Muirfield Village, Tradition, and August National. Off the course, the Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, the Captains Club, even the White House and Congress.

Through it all, this master story-teller makes history himself, capturing with a reporter’s keen eye a perspective of these two men that’s unique, revealing, and just plain fun.

There can never be enough stories about these two great legends from the game of golf. Charlie has captured and told us some of the best. —Tom Watson

I am a big fan of Charlie Mechem! I lived some of the history recorded in Charlie’s wonderful book, but it was great to learn so much more. Charlie was such a true friend to both Arnold and Jack, and the book really puts you in the same room with them. It made me chuckle. It’s a wonderful trip down golf’s memory lane. If you love golf, which so many of us do, this book will be one of your favorites. —Nancy Lopez

Charlie was leading the LPGA when I became the PGA Tour’s commissioner, and I had many opportunities to listen to his stories about Arnie and Jack. This enjoyable book details some of those and many others as he recounts his relationship with two legends of the game; actually three — if you count Charlie. —Tim Finchem, former PGA Tour Commissioner

Charlie Mechem, like the two subjects of this book, is an American golf treasure. When he grabs his hat (which we hope will be a long while yet) we should have him stuffed and mounted in the World Golf Hall of Fame. —David Feherty

Not too many people were in the inner circle of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, but Charlie Mechem was right there. Charlie is the only person who can tell these incredible stories of golf, life and friendship with Jack and Arnie, and he’s given us a real gift by sharing his memories with all of us. —Juli Inkster

Charlie Mechem shares his uniquely special place in both the professional and personal lives of two titans of golf in “Arnie and Jack.” An easy read that will give you an inside look at their relationship, one filled with competitive admiration and love of the game. —Dottie Pepper

Charlie Mechem has many gifts, the greatest among them being his genius for true friendship. His warm, revealing, and astute reflections from his long friendships with two giants are now a gift to golf history. —Jaime Diaz, Golf Channel analyst