Arnold Palmer, the Golfing legend known simply as “The King” died from heart complications yesterday in Pittsburgh at the age of 87.
He won seven major championships and 62 PGA Tour events between 1955 and 1973, and built a massive following of loyal fans, dubbed ‘Arnie’s Army,’ thanks to his aggressive play and showmanship. Palmer was notorious for not holding anything back, his famous whip-through swing motion was .
Although Palmer was 87 years of age, the news came as somewhat of a shock to many. Long time rival and friend Jack Nicklaus had spoken to Palmer back on his birthday (September 10th) and said he ‘sounded great’ on the phone. Palmer was admitted to the hospital on Thursday for some “cardiovascular work” and his condition deteriorated over the weekend.
Palmer was an ambassador of the sport and role model for so many.
A smile that will never be forgotten.#ArniesArmyhttps://t.co/HG7rJ7HWK0
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 26, 2016
NFL star Antonio Brown tweeted with nothing but love and respect.
Blessed to meet the legend Arnold Palmer ! His tenacity on the course + in business is so inspirational !!
Positive precious life #callGod pic.twitter.com/x4sIKTcbiG
— AB (@AB84) September 26, 2016
Golfing great Fred Couples was overcome with emotion while trying to conduct an interview.
https://twitter.com/CHICKatCSN/status/780257605901967360
GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, who owns and operates several golf courses, also took to Twitter to heap praise on The King.
Really sad news: The great Arnold Palmer, the "King," has died. There was no-one like him – a true champion! He will be truly missed.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2016
Simply a legend.
Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus.
They are the only golfers to win the Masters at least 4 times. pic.twitter.com/BEHtmWuhhE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 26, 2016
In the past several weeks, Tiger Woods has only three tweets:
The news came as the sports world was already dealing with the loss of a young superstar on the Florida Marlins, Jose Fernandez.
One of the greats Arnold Palmer joins Jose Fernandez with St. Peter on same day. RIP to young +old inspirations and prayers 4 their families
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) September 26, 2016
Prayers indeed. And for the rest of us, a perspective shift to the things that really matter in life.