“Happy and proud to call him a friend”: PGA Tour star Michael Kim reacts as Arnold Palmer’s grandson retires from professional golf at 37

Michael Kim, a current PGA Tour golf player, has wished Arnold Palmer's grandson a happy retirement. As of Saturday, August 18, Sam Saunders has officially called it a career at the age of 37. Though he didn't make it to the heights his grandfather did, he did have a commendable career.

Michael Kim took to X to share his remarks along with the official announcement:

"First ever pro that gave me a ball at Torrey Pines was Sam. Happy and proud to call him a friend. Wish you the best Sam!" Michael Kim posted.

Saunders didn't make it to the PGA Tour, spending most of his time on the Korn Ferry Tour. However, he did experience quite a bit of success at that level, including an impressive 320 starts. He was runner-up in four of them and had quite a few other memorable finishes.

In 2016, he said around the time of his grandfather's funeral that while he knows he's famous for who his grandfather is, he has his own family and friends as well as a unique identity.

He added via Golf Digest:

“I’m proud to be his grandson, and it’s not something I’m never going to shy away from. As a younger man I felt the need to be relevant and have a name of my own, but I have great pride in carrying on his legacy.”

Michael Kim spent a lot of time on the Korn Ferry Tour as well. The two developed a relationship in part because the veteran golfer helped welcome Kim to the sport by giving him a golf ball.

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Michael Kim's friend Sam Saunders bids farewell to golf

Sam Saunders, grandson of the late Arnold Palmer, has officially retired from the sport of golf. The Korn Ferry Tour star took to Instagram to express his thanks and announce that he will be moving into the next phase of his life.

He said:

"I started this career over 15 years ago, and today was my last professional round. I didn’t want to post anything or make a big to do of it, but I have too many people I want to thank, and acknowledge what a treat it has been. It was never easy for me, and I never reached my playing goals, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have made so many friends, and created relationships that will last forever. I am excited for the next chapter of my life, and I will always be involved in this great game of golf that has given me so much."

He thanked his wife, whom he called his biggest supporter for cheering him on through good times and helping him through the bad times. He said that this may be the end of a chapter, but the best is yet to come.