President Barack Obama, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods lead tributes to golf legend Arnold Palmer
KEY POINTS
- The American golf legend died in Pittsburgh at the age of 87.
- Golfing community and rest of the world paid rich tributes to the legendary golfer.
Tributes have poured in from across the world following the passing of golfing legend Arnold Palmer on Sunday (25 September) at the age of 87. The American golfer fondly referred to as 'The King' died at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was undergoing heart tests since Thursday (22 September).
Palmer is credited as being one of the pioneers of golf and was an accomplished player with 62 wins on the PGA Tour, which included seven major titles. His last public appearance according to the Pittsburg Post-Gazzette was at the 2016 Masters, where he was joined by long-time friends and rivals Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial opening tee shot.
Nicklaus led the way in paying tributes to the legendary golfer, who is credited to bringing the sport to the masses and making it interesting for TV audiences.
"Arnold is the reason golf enjoys the popularity it does today. He made golf attractive to the television-viewing public. There never has been anyone like him before in the game of golf, and there probably won't be another like him again," Nicklaus said, as quoted by the Telegraph.
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
Apart from his great rival and friend, tributes have poured in from across the globe from the sporting and non-sporting community including President of the United States Barack Obama.
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
A smile that will never be forgotten.#ArniesArmyhttps://t.co/HG7rJ7HWK0
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 26, 2016
Tiger Woods led the tributes from the current PGA Tour players with Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson paying respects following the 'The King's' passing.
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) Itâs 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've respected a number of players who came before me but Arnold Palmer was my model on and off the course. As an amateur I played my very first practice round at the Masters with him at his invitation. I saw how much time and attention he gave to fans, the media and worthy charitable causes. I'm like every other fan of his enormous influence on the game and his great generosity off the course. I'm saddened by his death but I'm a better player and perhaps a better person thanks to his example." — Phil Mickelson
Arnold Palmer, The King. Another legend lost. Golf will never be the same without you. Rest in peace.
— Pelé (@Pele) September 26, 2016
Saddened to hear that Arnold Palmer has passed away. A genuine sporting great. A golfing superstar and a gentleman. #RIPArnie
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 26, 2016
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