Golf Legends · Historic Giving
The Big 3
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player came together at The Olde Farm for one unforgettable day of golf—and a record-setting act of generosity.
A Historic Gathering
Golf legends.
One shared purpose.
The greatest names in golf came together to support the children of Mountain Mission School.
On June 8, 2010, The Olde Farm hosted The Big 3® for the Mountain Mission Kids, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player competed together in a special 19-hole scramble against 19 teams of three amateur golfers.
The format created a rare opportunity for participants to compete alongside three of the game’s most celebrated champions. Yet from the beginning, the tournament’s true purpose extended far beyond golf.
Every player, sponsor, volunteer and supporter shared the same goal: to generate life-changing support for Mountain Mission School and the children entrusted to its care.
Three Icons of the Game
Nicklaus. Palmer. Player.
Known collectively as The Big Three, their competition, friendship and global influence helped shape the modern game of golf.
Jack Nicklaus
The Golden BearOne of golf’s most accomplished champions and an enduring figure in the history, growth and architecture of the game.
Arnold Palmer
The KingA charismatic champion whose bold playing style and connection with fans helped bring golf to a worldwide audience.
Gary Player
The Black KnightA global ambassador for golf whose remarkable career, discipline and international success inspired generations.
The Tournament
An unforgettable day on the course
The special scramble paired world-class competition with an atmosphere of fellowship, celebration and generosity. Each amateur team had the opportunity to test its game against three of golf’s most legendary champions.
A distinctive 19-hole scramble played across The Olde Farm’s championship golf course.
The Big 3 competed against 19 teams, each consisting of three amateur players.
Nicklaus, Palmer and Player finished at 10-under-par 61, winning by three strokes.
More than $15.1 million was raised for Mountain Mission School in a single day.
A Record-Setting Achievement
The score made headlines.
The generosity made history.
The Big 3 prevailed on the course with a three-stroke victory, but the tournament’s defining achievement was the extraordinary support generated for the children of Mountain Mission School.
Mountain Mission School
The event was created to support Mountain Mission School and the children it serves. The school’s mission gave every round played, every contribution made and every partnership formed a greater purpose.
Visit Mountain Mission SchoolMore Than a Tournament
Golf became a force for hope
The success of The Big 3 demonstrated what can happen when celebrated athletes, committed sponsors, generous donors and a caring community unite around a shared mission.
The money raised created opportunities that extended well beyond one afternoon on the golf course. It represented security, education, encouragement and hope for children whose futures would be strengthened by the generosity of everyone involved.
The true winner was Mountain Mission School.
The Story of the Day
From the opening shot to a lasting legacy
The Legends Arrive
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player gather at The Olde Farm for a historic charitable event.
The Competition Begins
The Big 3 face 19 amateur teams in a unique competition played throughout the property.
The Big 3 Win
The legendary trio records a 61 and finishes three strokes ahead of the amateur field.
History Is Made
The fundraising total establishes a single-day record for a charity golf tournament.
Event Gallery
An extraordinary day remembered
Moments from the competition, fellowship and historic fundraising event held at The Olde Farm.
The Enduring Legacy
“The greatest result of the day was not recorded on a scorecard.”
The Big 3 remains one of the most meaningful moments in the history of The Olde Farm—a testament to friendship, generosity, community and the remarkable power of golf to change lives.
Learn More
Discover the mission behind the historic day
Learn more about Mountain Mission School and its work supporting children through education, stability and compassionate care.
Visit Mountain Mission School