Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer is receiving still another honor — the Congressional Gold Medal today in a ceremony at the White House.

Palmer, who recently turned 80 years old, is collecting an award extended 141 times, the first to George Washington in 1776.

Palmer, whose career victory total includes seven majors, offers a perfect model for greatness.

He began playing when he was four years old because his father worked at a country club. As superintendent and club pro, Palmer’s father was able to provide both instruction and ample access to the course. Palmer even received customized equipment, when his dad cut down a set of clubs for the child’s use.

This early instruction enabled Palmer to post low scores and to beat fellow caddies before long. By 17 he captured the first of his West Penn Amateur Championships.

Years later, another golfer would rise to greatness after receiving even earlier exposure to the game. Tiger Woods watched from a high chair as his father hit balls, and took his own swings beginning at the age of nine months.

Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky spent hundreds of hours on a back yard rink built by his father.

Of course, mere exposure to the game offers no guarantee of greatness, otherwise everyone who played catch with dad would get to the majors. Young players must have a passion for the sport. But early exposure offers the CHANCE.