Famed Golfer Arnold Palmer Dies at 87
Famed golfer Arnold Palmer died on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ET can confirm. He was 87.
Golf Digest tweeted the news early Sunday evening as well, sharing, "Arnold Palmer has passed away at 87 years old. Rest in peace, Arnie. You are forever a legend in golf and in life."
Arnold Palmer has passed away at 87 years old. Rest in peace, Arnie. You are forever a legend in golf and in life.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 26, 2016
The former golf pro, fondly nicknamed The King, was one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, winning numerous events on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Palmer became the first person to win the Masters four times, receiving the famed green jacket, and is fifth on the all-time wins list for the PGA Tour.
He is one of golf's most popular players, the first true superstar of the sport when the television age began, and along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player is considered part of "The Big Three."
"Today marks the passing of an era," said Alastair Johnston, Palmer's longtime agent. "Arnold Palmer's influence, profile and achievements spread far beyond the game of golf. He was an iconic American who treated people with respect and warmth, and built a unique legacy through his ability to engage with fans."
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Palmer started playing the sport early, breaking 100 at just 8-years-old, which paved the way to his hall-of-fame career. In fact, he was one of the original 13 inductees welcomed into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and won the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. And, yes, the Arnold Palmer drink, which consists of iced tea and lemonade, was named after him.
He is survived by his second wife, Kit; his daughters, Amy (Roy) Saunders and Peggy (Stewart) Bryan; six grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerry, and sisters, Sandra Sarni and Lois "Cheech" Tilly.
Many celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds took to Twitter following the news of Palmer's death to share their memories of the golfing great.
Even the man who holds the record for most majors won knows Arnold Palmer as "The King."
A photo posted by espn (@espn) on Sep 25, 2016 at 7:21pm PDT
I miss u already Arnie. My love goes to the Palmer family. The world lost a great man today. pic.twitter.com/i6ijf61z69
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) September 26, 2016
R.I.P. Arnold Palmer. Anyone with a draaank named after 'em is a bad motherfletcher and whatnot.
— George Wallace (@MrGeorgeWallace) September 26, 2016
Count me as part of Arnie's Army. Very sad to see the passing of the King. RIP Arnold Palmer https://t.co/QHsFpuALtM
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) September 26, 2016
RIP Arnold Palmer. You are a LEGEND. pic.twitter.com/qcQdzkAVLH
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) September 26, 2016
RIP Arnold Palmer.
Legend. #TheKing. Gentleman— Tom Verica (@tomverica) September 26, 2016
So lucky to have met the king #ArnoldPalmer. He was such an inspiration on and off the course. Thinking of his family tonight. God Bless.
— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) September 26, 2016
Very sad day for the Golf Community and my Wake Forest Family...Rest in Paradise Mr. Palmer! #GoDeacs #ArnoldPalmer 🎩 pic.twitter.com/l1Hrx2ldUt
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 26, 2016
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