Even Palmer’s setbacks were epic.
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Arnold Palmer is one the greatest golfers to ever swing a club. He was just 34 years old.
As much as today’s touring professionals will all say they owe their wealth to Tiger Woods’ massive influence on television ratings, they should all remove their caps and visors to mourn the passing of the man whose Hollywood good looks and heart-on-sleeve emotions made him the first superstar of golf’s television age. He became Madison Avenue’s favorite pitchman, accepting an array of endorsement deals that generated millions of dollars in income on everything from licensed sportswear to tractors to motor oil and even Japanese tearooms. As his fame in the sport grew, so did a variety of business ventures. He grew up in the town, where his father worked as a greenskeeper at the Latrobe Country Club. Palmer is regarded as one of the greatest players in golf history, winning over 60 PGA tour competitions.
He played on six Ryder Cup teams and was twice a captain. “He made it possible for all of us to make a living in this game”, he said. As he grew older, a shaky putter let Palmer down, but his popularity never waned.
In all he notched a total of 95 PGA tour wins and 10 senior tour wins.
Palmer, known as “the King”, pursued a rivalry with Jack Nicklaus – whose nickname, “the Golden Bear”, illustrated the differences in their styles and personalities – that thrilled fans for three decades. He was also a consultant for Golf Channel.
He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012. With a wagonload of trophies, he now receives an honor like no other.
Is a licensed jet pilot and flies a Cessna Citation X.
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1995 – Makes his final appearance at the British Open. Palmer did not hit a ceremonial tee shot at the 2016 Masters, a sign that his health was failing. She replied: “Yes, I kiss his balls for luck”.
