If He Chips Like a Duck and He Putts Like a Duck

Hitting balls at Appleland’s driving range in Stephens City, Va., Richard “Duck” Nagel nonchalantly wears a baseball hat autographed by Arnold “The King” Palmer. Duck works at Appleland, and he loves to chat with customers. He sat down with BoBirdie to share his incredible personal history with golf.

Growing up in Latrobe, Pa., in the 1960s, Duck knew the Palmer family. In eighth grade, Duck and his friend would chip golf balls in their backyards, sneak across town and play on atypical terrain. Sometimes they would sneak onto the local golf course at night, just to play on the greens in the dark. 

When Latrobe Country Club was hiring caddies, Duck jumped at the chance. Under the direction of his caddy master “Mooney,” — and weighing only 100 pounds — Duck would haul two golf bags across the course. He’d often make $20 tips, quite a lot of money in those days. The Palmers would golf there often, especially Deacon Palmer, Arnold’s father.

“Deacon was the man,” Duck said. “I remember him quite well. He lived across the street, on a little hill. He was a burly, husky guy. He had the most beautiful sun tan.”Duck actually caddied for Arnold Palmer during a fundraiser hosted by the country club. That’s where he got the autographed hat.

“He was a very nice and gentle man,” Duck said, nodding to himself. “He was already famous. I’d always watch him play with Jack Nicklaus on TV.”

Thinking back to his days as a caddy, Duck said he wished caddies were still a staple on golf courses. “I miss talking to somebody when I’m playing,” he said.

Duck served four years in the military, including time in the Vietnam War. When
he returned, he worked federal service in American embassies and consulates. It wasn’t until the 1980s that he began golfing again.

He met someone in Abu Dhabi who enjoyed golf, and together they played on courses made entirely of sand. They had to carry around their own patches of grass to tee and hit off of. 

Nowadays, Duck golfs as much as he can. His favorite is the Shenvalee Golf Resort in New Market, Va., but he also loves to play the 12 holes at Appleland. Harkening back to his childhood — chipping and putting anywhere he could — Duck still enjoys the short game the most.

Find Duck working the driving range at Appleland in Stephens City. If you’re lucky, you may catch a look at Arnold Palmer’s John Hancock.