Arnold Palmer, winner of seven Major titles and one of the most beloved figures in the game, died today, Sunday, September 25, 2016. He was 87.
Palmer, who was made an Honorary Life Member of The European Tour in 1995 in recognition of his global impact on the game, was golf’s first superstar in the television age whose powerful swing, attacking approach and ready smile attracted millions of loyal fans known as 'Arnie's Army' during his illustrious career.
Nicknamed “The King”, Palmer won 92 professional titles and was equally successful off the golf course as a businessman, golf course designer and pilot, and no-one did more to popularise the sport. He was a man of the people.
His springboard success was his victory in the US Amateur Championship in 1954. He turned professional a few months later.
In a four-year stretch from 1960 to 1963 he won 29 of his titles and collected almost $400,000 at a time when the purses were minute by today's standards. He was named "Athlete of the Decade" for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll.
He won the Masters Tournament four times, in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964; the US Open in spectacular fashion in 1960 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver and The Open in 1961 and 1962. He came from seven strokes off the pace in the final round in that US Open win and finished second in four other Opens after that. Among the Majors, only the PGA Championship eluded him. He played on six Ryder Cup teams, and was the winning captain twice.
"He was the king of our sport and always will be" - Jack Nicklaus
Arnold Daniel Palmer, born September 10, 1929, grew up in the working-class mill town of Latrobe, in a two-story frame house off the sixth tee of Latrobe Country Club, where his father, Milfred “Deacon” Palmer, was the greenskeeper and professional.
In 1974, Palmer was one of the original inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame. On September 12, 2012, Palmer was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He became just the sixth athlete to receive the honour. Coupled with the Presidential Medal of Freedom that he was awarded in 2004, gave him both of the highest honours that the U.S. can give to a civilian.
Palmer is survived by his second wife, Kit, daughters Amy Saunders and Peggy Wears, six grandchildren, including Sam Saunders, who plays on the PGA Tour.
Jack Nicklaus, who with Palmer and Gary Player formed the 'Big Three' of golf and transformed the game, issued a statement in which he said:
"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.
Among the first to pay tribute was
European Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke
, as he tweeted a few hours before emnarking on his flight to Minnesota for The 2016 Ryder Cup: "Very sad to hear the news that Arnold Palmer passed away tonight. #RIPTheKing #Legend"
Davis Love III, United States Ryder Cup Captain
, said: “When I think of Arnold Palmer, I think of his natural ability to relate to people, the close bond he had with his father, and how when I first came on Tour, he made young professionals like me feel welcome. Like me, Mr. Palmer was born the son of a PGA Professional and was taught by his dad not only the fundamentals, but also how to give back to this great game. He leaves an impact on the game and on sports in America that is unmatched.
“Tonight our country lost a great sportsman, a great American. As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, our team will keep Mr. Palmer’s family in our prayers and will draw from his strength and determination to inspire us.”
Tiger Woods
tweeted: "Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. It's hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King."
Rory McIlroy
was another major winner whom Palmer took time out to offer career advice. The four-time major winner, speaking after winning the PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship before joining up with Europe's Ryder Cup team for this week's encounter at Hazeltine in Minneapolis, paid his own tribute.
"Arnold Palmer meant a lot to me but also to everyone who plays this game," he said.
"He did so much for the game of golf at a time when golf needed him in the 1960s and 70s and brought golf to the masses.
"He leaves a legacy which no-one in any other sport can leave, the biggest legacy of any sport star over the last century.
"I was lucky enough to spend some time with him and those are memories I will have for the rest of my life."
America's Ryder Cup captainDavis Love IIIpledged to honour Palmer's legacy during this week's event in Minneapolis.
"Tonight our country lost a great sportsman, a great American," he said.
"As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, our team will keep Mr Palmer's family in our prayers and will draw from his strength and determination to inspire us."
Ernie Els
tweeted: "Such sad news to hear about passing of Arnold Palmer. Great memories of him. His legacy in the game and charity will live forever."
Ian Poulter tweeted: "Sad news Mr Arnold Palmer passed away. Golf has lost its King. His legacy will last forever. Thank you for what you have done for golf. #RIP"
Graeme McDowell tweeted: "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"
Sergio Garcia tweeted: "Very sad news to hear of the passing of the great Arnold Palmer. We will miss you very much. The King and Legend. RIP"
Sir Nick Faldotweeted: "OMGosh sad news! Will miss that vice handshake and glint in your eye as you tried to crush my hand! RIP King Arnold"
Luke Donald tweeted: "So sad to hear of Mr Palmer's passing. He paved the way for everything that we have in the game. Forever the King. May he rest in peace"
Arnold Palmer - 1929 - 2016 Obituary
