Arnold Palmer Statue at Bermuda Dunes Country Club

“A Hell of a Day”

Beside the golf course at Bermuda Dunes Country Club, a statue of Arnold Palmer holds the finish of a golf swing. The club grounds, palms and lake provide the setting; a small plaque on the pedestal explains why this tribute belongs here.

Its heading is “A Hell of a Day.” The inscription commemorates Palmer’s 1973 victory, when he birdied the closing hole to secure his 62nd and final PGA Tour win. It records a finish of 17 under par, two strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.

For the full story of Palmer’s relationship with the course and his final victory, read Arnold Palmer at Bermuda Dunes: The Story of His Last Win.

The victory behind the tribute

Palmer won the Bob Hope Desert Classic on February 11, 1973. The tournament was played over five rounds, and his total of 343 included a final-round 69 at Bermuda Dunes. It was his fifth victory in the event.

The distinction matters: this was Palmer’s final victory on the regular PGA Tour, not the end of his competitive career. He continued to play and later won on the senior tour. The statue marks a particular achievement at this course.

Look closely at the photographs

Mark Miller’s four photographs, taken October 26, 2026, show the statue from the course side, a closer view of the figure, its relationship to the clubhouse and the commemorative plaque. Open the gallery above to compare the views and read the inscription.

The course-side view gives the monument its context. The closer photographs reveal the raised club, turning body and lifted trailing heel, while the clubhouse view places the figure within the club’s everyday surroundings.

Palmer and Bermuda Dunes

Bermuda Dunes was one of the original courses in the desert tournament’s rotation. The club’s history connects Palmer with both his first Classic win in 1960 and his final PGA Tour win in 1973.

Explore the Bermuda Dunes Country Club photo guide for the wider setting, or read how the country club helped shape Bermuda Dunes. Our Arnold Palmer profile introduces his broader connection to the Coachella Valley.

Seeing the statue

The statue is within Bermuda Dunes Country Club, a private club, at 42765 Adams Street, Bermuda Dunes, California. It is not presented here as a public walk-in attraction. Arrange permission or an authorized visit before entering; contact the club at 760-345-2771 about access.