Iconic US golfer Arnold Palmer was recalled by the legends he battled and players he inspired as a beloved figure who spawned the modern big-money era with his charm and skill.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, stars of a newer generation who admired “The King,” and Palmer’s “Big Three” rivals of the 1960s, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, were among those who mourned Palmer’s death Sunday at age 87.
But so was US President Barack Obama, who tweeted a photo of a lesson Palmer gave him in the Oval Office of the White House.
“Here’s to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold,” Obama tweeted.
Palmer’s everlasting legacy is found in the star players and rich events of today, such as Rory McIlroy and the 11.5 million he won Sunday for taking the Tour Championship and FedExCup playoff crown.
“He has meant so much to golf worldwide,” four-time major winner McIlroy told The Golf Channel, which Palmer co-founded.
“Arnold wasn’t the most successful player ever but he was the player that brought the game to the masses.
“If it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer, we wouldn’t be playing for these obscene amounts of money we play for every week.”
Palmer became the first major US sports celebrity endorsement star, the role made for him in the 1960s. He remained a popular pitchman into his 80s, his “Arnie’s Army,” fan following unmatched until Woods spawned Tiger-mania in 1997.
“Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs,” Woods said in a Twitter posting. “Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.”
Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy: sports.yahoo.com
