Arnold Palmer dead: Golf’s original superstar and winner of seven major tournaments dies at the age of 87
American legend who passed following heart complications leaves behind a legacy as the first global icon who transcended his sport
ARNOLD PALMER, one of the greatest and most loved players in the history of golf, has died aged 87.
The American, who won seven major tournaments across a glittering career, passed away on Sunday in Pittsburgh, following heart complications.
Palmer attracted a massive ‘Arnie’s Army’ of golf fans, and his decision to play the Open Championship on a regular basis in the early 1960s helped rekindle interest in the game’s oldest Major.
He captured the Claret Jug in 1961 and successfully defended it a year later. He also won the Masters four times, and claimed the US Open title in 1960.
Palmer had travelled to Pittsburgh from his home in Orlando to consult specialists about a heart problem. But his management company said complications set in shortly after he was admitted to hospital, and they proved fatal.
Eighteen-time major champion Jack Nicklaus summed up the mood of shock and grief after the sport lost one of its true greats.
Nicklaus, Palmer's close friend and fierce rival, said: “I was shocked to hear we had lost a great friend – and that golf had lost a great friend.
“We just lost one of the most incredible people in golf, and in all of sport. My friend, many people’s friend, just wore out.
“He was in Pittsburgh trying to make himself better. That’s what Arnold always tried to do. He has always been a fighter. and he never gave up on anything. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and his spirit did not.
“Barbara and I are in shock, and are deeply saddened. We spoke to him on his birthday, September 10, and he sounded great.
“He was one of my best friends, my 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 a 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.”
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Rory McIlroy, who was told of Palmer’s death shortly after claiming a £9million jackpot for winning the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup series, added his tribute.
He said: “The reason we are playing for such massive sums of money is because Arnold, more than anyone, helped to make golf hugely popular.
“It was privilege for me to spend time with him over the past few years, and he will be greatly missed by all of us. He leaves a legacy that no-one in any sport could rival.”
Palmer is survived by his second wife Kit, daughters Amy Saunders and Peggy Wears and six grandchildren, including Sam Saunders, who plays on the PGA Tour.