About The Lost Bet
Hello! Welcome to the The Lost Bet Photo website. I truly hope you enjoy seeing, and owning, the single rarest photo of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The story really begins with the photographer, my father, William F. Thompson, who passed away in 2001. When The Lost Bet Photo was taken we lived in Houston, Texas and that is where The Lost Bet Photo was taken. Some say it was at Champions Country Club in 1967. Others have said that it was not at that course but do not know where it was, still others insist that it is at Augusta. The photo of “Arnie Laughing” was taken at the same tournament. If you are reading this then you are probably enough of golf fan or player to know that most folks place bets with fellow players before rounds begin and then settle up afterwards.
This is exactly what happened the day he snapped the world famous Lost Bet Photo. In the morning he was standing with a group of the golfers set to play that morning and was close enough to hear Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus speaking to one another about the stakes for the round. Therefore he knew that at some point afterwards they were going to have to get together and take care of business. With that in mind he waited patiently as he followed them through each hole and took some other great shots of the rest of the field. Folks like Ben Hogan, Lee Trevino, Gene Sarazen and many other famous golfers were there that day. (Golf retailers should contact me if they would like to display and sell The Lost Bet Photo and these other fantastic photos). Well, that morning it went back and forth and Dad really expected that Arnold Palmer was going to win out. But that is not what happened. On the back nine the up-and-coming Jack Nicklaus (who was the Tiger Woods of his day) bested Arnie by winning the last seven holes.
Dad knew that Arnie’s famous money clip was going to come out of his pocket and that some bills were going to be peeled off and given to the man who would go on to become known as The Golden Bear. As they approached the clubhouse The King was still on a golf cart and Jack was walking nearby. Before he stood up Arnie called to Jack and motioned him over. My father knew that the time had come and so positioned himself for the best angle. Then it happened. Arnold Palmer, The King, the leader of Arnie’s Army, pulled out a wad of bills and handed a fifty to a young Jack Nicklaus. CLICK! HE GOT THE SHOT! Caught that day on film for the first and only time were the world’s two greatest golfers captured in what Golf Digest refers to in it’s November 2006 article about the photo as “the man-to-man act of a financial transaction”. Both men were caught completely off guard.
Both Jack and Arnie knew instantly what that photo was of and neither were very happy at the thought of this photo appearing on every sports page in the country. They both turned to him and stared. There was a brief uncomfortable silence that was finally broken by them each imploring him not to sell it to the wire services. My father told them that he would not sell it to Associated Press or United Press International and would take their secret to the grave. And that is exactly what he did. My father truly respected these men and the game enough to sacrifice a very lucrative payoff.
My father was an honorable man and he kept his word for almost forty years despite being contacted by numerous outlets wanting to confirm the existence of, and possibly publish the photo. It was only after his death, and after both Jack and Arnie had retired from the game that I decided the world had a right to see and own this wonderful photo. I really think that it should be hanging on the wall of every country club clubhouse in the country as a testiment to two great golfers and that one thing that makes so many rounds of golf so much more interesting… the wagers! Every clubhouse should hang this historic image on the wall nearest the door that leads out to Hole #1. I mean c’mon folks, who doesn’t have at least a little something riding on the days play? Especially at ” Augusta National Golf Club “! Please tell your friends about The Lost Bet Photo and be sure to mention that it is available to be both seen and ordered right here at TheLostBet.com!
Blake Thompson,
In honor of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and my father William F. Thompson
ARNIE’S PIKE
Arguably, the most famous swing in golf is seen in this Limited Series Edition photograph of Arnold Palmer on May 6th during the 1967 Houston Champions International. This candid photo was taken by William F. Thompson and has been in his family’s collection for over 40...
read moreBEN HOGAN IN MOTION
The legendary Ben Hogan captured mid-swing by renowned photographer William F. Thompson and offered as a part of the previously unseen Thompson Private Collection. This Limited series offering is available as a framed and matted addition to your golf collection, or as the perfect gift for any golf enthusiast! This photograph was taken during the 1967 Houston Champions International at Champions Golf...
read moreCLASSIC JACK
The Thompson Private Collection has added this photo of Jack Nicklaus to its Limited Edition Series. Taken during the opening round of the 1969 U.S. Open in Houston, Tx on June 12, 1969.
read moreSAM SNEAD IN MOTION
Slammin’ Sammy getting sandy! The Thompson Private Collection is offering this must have photo of Sam Snead as part of the Limited Edition Series. William F. Thompson was a master of motion capture still photography and snapped this photograph on June 15, 1969 during the final round of the U.S. Open Championship, which was played on the Cypress Creek Course of the Champions Golf Club in Houston,...
read moreARNOLD PALMER IN MOTION
Become the envy of your friends when you hang this visually stunning photograph of Arnold Palmer defying the sand trap. The Thompson Private Collection offers another never before seen masterpiece in the Limited Edition Series by famed photographer William F. Thompson. Palmer’s 70 maintained a 3-shot lead after the third round at the Houston Champions International on May 6, 1967. Where will you hang this classic image of “The...
read moreTHE KING, THE ARCHER, AND THE HAWK
The Thompson Private Collection offers this view of Arnold “The King” Palmer from the Limited Edition Series as he putts from under the sign showing his playing group. He was paired with Ben “The Hawk” Hogan and George Archer. This private collection photograph was taken during the third round of play at the Houston Champions International on May 6, 1967 at Champions Golf...
read moreCLUB HIGH
The Thompson Private Collection is proud to release this photograph of Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer. This image was taken at the Houston Champions International on May 6, 1967 when the legends were playing together during the third round of play. This never before seen photo from the Limited Edition Series belongs in your private...
read moreRESPECT
Fresh from the vaults of The Thompson Private Collection is the only known photograph of Arnold Palmer deferring to Ben Hogan by holding the flagstick for him. This rare image of the two legendary golfers was captured by intrepid photographer William F. Thompson on May 6, 1967 during the third round of the Houston Champions International at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Tx. The photos in the Limited Edition Series make superb gifts for your golf...
read moreINTROSPECTION
The Thompson Private Collection offers this poignant view of Ben Hogan, one of golf’s greatest legends. Taken on May 7, 1967 during the final round of the Houston Champions International, this never before seen photograph is only available here in the elegant Limited Edition Series. Another beautiful image from legendary photographer William F. Thompson, this belongs on your office, clubhouse, or man-cave...
read moreTHE LOST BET PHOTO
Arnold Palmer pays Jack Nicklaus. The image that made history is available from the owner’s private collection as a part of the Limited Edition Series. Photographer William F. Thompson captured this moment on November 17, 1966 at The Houston Champions International Tournament at Champions Golf Club as the two legends came in from the 18th hole. Although Arnold Palmer went on to win the tournament, Jack Nicklaus shot a 69 in the opening round to Arnold Palmer’s 70, besting him by one stroke. This photo was held in the family’s private...
read more