Golfer Arnold Palmer has died, aged 87.
Palmer won seven majors, including four Masters. He played The Masters for 50 consecutive years and co-founded the Golf Channel.
He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and '60s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army". His good looks and hard-charging style combined with the arrival of television in most households to make him a star and bring his sport to the masses.
With Great Sadness, We Honor Our Beloved ~ Arnold Palmer (1929-2016) #ArnoldPalmer #ArniesArmy https://t.co/lh4pOXJDgX pic.twitter.com/LRw8bGHSG2
— Arnold Palmer Inv. (@APinv) September 26, 2016
Palmer is best remembered for his success at Augusta, where he remained a ceremonial starter until this year. He won The Masters in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964. He was also victorious at the US Open and Open Championships on three occasions. The PGA Championship was the only major to elude him. He finished second three times between 1964 and 1970. Overall he won 62 times on the PGA Tour.
His name has been attached to the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 2007. Earlier this year, Palmer was green-side to congratulate Jason Day on his win in what was one of Palmer's final appearances.
The death comes less than a week before the Ryder Cup begins at Hazeltine. Palmer played in the competition seven times and captained the team to victory twice in 1963 and 1973.
Such was Palmer's popularity, tributes from all over the golfing world were paid to the man they called 'The King.
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
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 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
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