Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers of all time, dies at 87

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Fox News:

Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers ever to pick up a club and the object of a massive fan base that called itself “Arnie’s Army” as he recorded seven major victories, died Sunday at 87 in Pittsburgh, according to the United States Golf Association.

 

Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, told the Associated Press that Palmer died Sunday afternoon of complications from heart problems. Johnson said Palmer was admitted to the hospital Thursday for some cardiovascular work and weakened over the last few days.

 

Born in Latrobe, Pa., Palmer’s endearing personality and skill on the links earned him the nickname “The King,” during a career whose beginning coincided with the birth of television sports. Along the way, he became one of the wealthiest celebrity endorsers, a philanthropist, golf course designer and pilot.

[Geee]

Arnold Palmer, 1929 -2016

 

2016 is lining up as brutal year for notables. The latest casualty is Arnold Palmer, “the man who saved golf”.

 

Born in 1929, Palmer literally grew up on a golf course: the Latrobe Country Club. His father, Millard “Deacon” Palmer, was the club professional. Arnold worked as a groundskeeper from an early age. Once he got onto the course, Arnie incorporated his father’s lessons. He may have lacked the gracefulness of predecessors like Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, but he compensated with physical strength and hard work, practicing endlessly and under all conditions until he felt confident that he had it right.

 

After attending Wake Forest University and serving in the Coast Guard, Palmer turned professional in 1955 and promptly won that year’s Canadian Open. His debut coincided with television bringing the game into Americans’ living rooms, and TV producers quickly realized that they had the star they needed. Not only was Palmer good, he was young, handsome, and charismatic. He was also demonstrative -- painfully grimacing at putts that did not go in and joyfully celebrating great shots. He happily acknowledged the cheers and encouragement from the galleries, and truly appreciated it. He developed a huge and loyal following of fans known as “Arnie’s Army".

 

In sports an attractive persona is only good if coupled with winning. And win Palmer did. Perhaps his most dramatic victory was the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills in Denver. Several shots back going into the last round, Palmer predicted to a skeptical sportswriter that he was going to shoot a 65 and win the tournament. He went out and did exactly that. Although he never completed the Grand Slam (the PGA Championship always eluded him), he won enough tournaments to solidify his reputation as one of the greats.

 

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/09/arnold_palmer_1929_2016.html

[Valin]

Arnold Palmer, 1929 -2016

 

2016 is lining up as brutal year for notables. The latest casualty is Arnold Palmer, “the man who saved golf”.