Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer has passed away in Pittsburgh at the age of 87.
One of the sport's all-time greats, Palmer garnered an interest in golf like no other - his legion of fans becoming known as 'Arnie's Army' - in a time when golf began to come of age. Palmer is credited by many to have brought to the sport to the masses as his allure saw the sport feature more prominently on tv.
It was Palmer's example at the start of the '60s which persuaded the rest of the Americans to travel over for The Open Championship.
Nicknamed 'The King', Palmer won 95 tournaments across the world, including seven majors. His health had been an issue for some time.
Leading the tributes to his 'great friend' was one Jack Nicklaus, who penned the following tribute to Palmer:
I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend—and that golf lost a great friend.
At this point I don’t know what happened, and I suppose it is not important what happened. What is important is that we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports. My friend—many people’s friend—just wore out. I know he was in Pittsburgh trying to find out how to make himself better. That’s what Arnold has always tried to do. He has always been a fighter and he never gave up on anything. He didn’t give up even now. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and spirit did not.
I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday (Sept. 10), when he sounded great. So Barbara and I are just in shock and incredibly saddened. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Kit, his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and his entire loving family.
He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.
Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself. Along the way, he had millions of adoring fans—Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.
He was the king of our sport and always will be.
Here's to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold. pic.twitter.com/UlyfpIBOL2
— President Obama (@POTUS44) September 26, 2016
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
(2/2) It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
Remembering the special times I spent with Mr Palmer at Bay Hill. A true pioneer for our sport. Forever remembered. pic.twitter.com/qJQBpDWTWv
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 26, 2016
I'll miss you friend #ripTheKING pic.twitter.com/KIoz0CH59F
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) September 26, 2016
Just heard the news about #TheKing. Can't believe it. Amazing man and his legacy in the game and in our hearts will live forever. #RIPArnie
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) September 26, 2016
Very sad to hear of Arnold Palmers passing # RIP
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) September 26, 2016
Rest well, Arnie. Next year, Augusta won't be quite the same. We'll miss your humor, kindness and that twinkle in your eye. #ArnoldPalmer
— Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) September 26, 2016
• 62 PGA TOUR wins
• 7 major wins
• Lifetime of memories#ArniesArmy https://t.co/g3pSEFPwu9— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 26, 2016
We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87. pic.twitter.com/iQmGtseNN1
— USGA (@USGA) September 26, 2016
