Arnold Palmer, The King dies at age 87
The golf world is in mourning today as the news arrives that The King, Arnold Palmer has passed away at the age of 87 due to heart complications.
Arnold Palmer transformed the game of golf. “The King” as he was affectionately known was adored for his charisma, good looks and of course his skills with the golf club.
Palmer was easy to like and his legion of adoring golf fans (known as “Arnie’s Army”) were enthralled by the way he played the game with his heart on his sleeve. His powerful physique meant he could play some extraordinary golf shots, taking some amazing risks along the way.
No one ever forgot the time they saw Arnold Palmer play golf.
Palmer played all over the globe, winning on 95 occasions including seven majors (The Masters – 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, U.S. Open – 1960, The Open Championship – 1961, 1962) and was one of the first big-name American golfers to travel to play in The Open in an attempt to become an all-round great player, in any conditions, on any style of golf course.
Interestingly, it was Australia’s Kel Nagle who beat Palmer in his first attempt at The Open in 1960 when Palmer was trying to win three majors in one year. But he would go on to win the next two Open Championships and won the Australian Open at Royal Queensland in 1966.
Enough from us about Palmer though. No matter how much we write won’t convey how influential the man was on the game of golf, sport and on many people.
Here are a few tributes to Palmer from around the world starting with Golf Digest’s video with a few celebrities sharing their stories about The King.
And of course, there has been plenty of tributes on Twitter:
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
I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend (continued) pic.twitter.com/skehUsQgww
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) September 26, 2016
It’s an honor to be a lockermate with you at ANGC. You inspired millions, changed the game, and will forever be missed. #arnie
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) September 26, 2016
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 (@POTUS) September 26, 2016
So sad to hear Mr. Palmer has passed away. He touched us all and was an incredible role model. The KING.
— Jason Day (@JDayGolf) 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