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Sam Saunders, grandson of Arnold Palmer, returns to lead Team USA at The Spirit

Sam Saunders, the grandson of golf legend Arnold Palmer, is returning to The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship as captain of Team USA, marking a full-circle moment in his career. After retiring from professional golf in 2024 following a 15-year stint on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours, Saunders has remained deeply connected to the sport, joining the Arnold Palmer Group in late 2024 as vice president of partnerships.

Now, at 39, he will lead the U.S. team at the prestigious event, which returns to Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas, from November 11-14.

The competition features 80 top amateurs from 20 countries across six continents, competing in an Olympic-style format. Saunders previously played in The Spirit in 2005, finishing tied for second with Team USA, and has since returned in 2019 as an ambassador for the Spirit Charity Challenge.

He succeeds Nathan Smith as Team USA captain and will be assisted by Texas Golf Hall of Fame executive director Alli Jarrett, bringing both experience and a fresh perspective to the role.

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