Golf’s big heart beats no more

Washington, September 26

Arnold Palmer, one of golf’s greatest players whose immense popularity drew a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army” and helped propel the game just as television was coming of age, died on Sunday at age 87, the US Golf Association and golf media reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf’s greatest ambassador, at age 87,” the USGA said on Twitter.

Palmer, who posted 62 victories on the PGA Tour starting in 1955, died in Pittsburgh, near his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

A winner of seven Major championships, including four Masters, Palmer had no peers as a fan favorite and always went to great lengths to ensure that every person waiting in line ended up with a cherished autograph, an approach that even today’s generation of players tries to live up to.

Palmer developed his following at tournaments and on television with an affable demeanor, telegenic looks and modest background as the son of a greenskeeper.

Palmer ranks fifth on the PGA’s list of tournament victories. His biggest win may have come in 1960, when he won the US Open after being down seven shots in the final round in the greatest comeback in that tournament’s history. He beat Jack Nicklaus, a then 20-year-old amateur, by two shots, prefacing a rivalry between the two that lasted throughout the 1960s.

Palmer was especially dominant from 1960 to 1963, winning 29 PGA Tour events. He was named Sports Illustrated magazine’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 1960.

Palmer had an unorthodox swing and go-for-broke style that added to his appeal among fans, who became known as “Arnie’s Army” for the size of his following.

Palmer’s success on the course and at attracting fans helped boost television ratings for golf, making it a staple of weekend TV sports. — Reuters

Palmer remembered as ‘King of the fairways’

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. — Jack Nicklaus, longtime friend and rival

He endeared himself to the people. He had charisma. He just fell out of bed with it. — Gary Player, longtime friend and rival

Arnold was the folk hero of golf. Not only was he the greatest personality the game has produced, he was King of the fairways every time he played. We were only two weeks apart in age and great rivals. We certainly had some wonderful times together. — Peter Thomson, rival and friend

Here’s to The King, who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold. — Barack Obama, US President

For all who love the game of golf and love to see it played, there has never been a sight quite like Arnold Palmer walking down the fairway toward the 18th green. The announcer Vin Scully once said: In a sport that was high society, Arnold Palmer made it ‘High Noon’. — George W Bush, former US President

If it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer we wouldn’t be playing for the obscene amounts of money we play for every week. What he has been able to do for the game, the players, I think everyone realises that, respects that, I think that is why you see so many guys go to play (the Arnold Palmer Invitational) every year because they want to pay their respects to the man that paved the way for us. — Rory Mcilroy, four-time major champion 

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. Tiger Woods, former world no. 1