September 7, 1961 River Forest Country Club hosted “All-Star Golf” which was a televised 18 hole round of golf between Gary Player and Arnold Palmer. Sponsored by Kemper Insurance and Reynolds Metals.

The match was a fine exhibition of golf and a “nail biter” to the end. The No. 2 hole was described by the announcer as “lots of room on the left.” The par 3 No. 3 hole was a mere 138 yards without a water hazard. There was a noticeable difference from the many trees we enjoy (for shade, not to play out of) today. Through the first nine holes Arnold Palmer held a one-stroke lead at 1 under 35 and Gary Player shot and even par 36. Palmer continued to hold his one stroke lead through the 12th hole until a birdie on the 13th that put Palmer at 2 under for the round and increased his lead to two strokes. Gary Player was not to be out done; a birdie on the par 4, 14th hole followed by another birdie on the 15th hole squared the match at even through 15 holes.

Both players pared the 16th and 17th holes to set the stage for the exciting final hole of play. Player chose a 2 iron for the 306 yard 18th and drove the ball 230 yards down the middle. Palmer, known for his distance off the tee, used his driver to carry the trees and end up green-high with a 300-yard drive off to the right in the rough. Player’s second shot of 90 yards with a wedge landed in the sand trap, just short of the green on the right. Palmer’s second shot was pitched over the embankment and long leaving him with a down hill putt. Player's sand shot barely made the green leaving him 20 feet from the hole. Palmer’s third shot was inches wide to the left and the tap-in gave him a par. Player had to make his twenty foot putt to save par and tie the match. With a strong stroke at the ball the River Forest galley witnessed a long par putt for Player and a match tie for 18 holes. Both Palmer and Player shot a 2 under 70 for the day.