Arnold Palmer 1929-2016

Arnold Palmer the 'King of Golf' 1929-2016

We honor today a great sportsman, Arnold Palmer, who was nicknamed "The King," who died on Sunday September 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, PA. He won seven major championships during his professional career, which spanned more than five decades. He won the Masters four times, The British Open twice and the U.S. Open once. Stories of him fill the pages of golf's history books and the walls of any museum. The game is indeed better because of him and, in so many ways, will never be the same.

Palmer was born Sept. 10, 1929 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His father, Deacon, became the greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club in 1921 and the club pro in 1933. Palmer began his professional career in 1954. He quickly picked up his first PGA Tour win at the 1955 Canadian Open in his rookie season, and his first-round 64 then remained the best opening round of his career. He went on to win 62 titles on the PGA Tour, fifth-most all time, and 92 including international and senior victories. He was PGA Player of the Year twice (1960 and '62) and the tour's leading money winner four times, with total tournament earnings of nearly $7 million.

With his friends and rivals Jack Nicklaus (left) and Gary Player (right)

His friend and often rival Jack Nicklaus said: "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. ... 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. He was the king of our sport and always will be." Arnold was also a great philanthropist. He supported many organizations, including the March of Dimes and others that helped young children.  His Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women in Orlando, Florida, has been open since 1989.

Palmer accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 from President George W. Bush.