Washington, Sep 26 (IANS) Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest and most popular players in the history of golf, has died, according to the US Golf Association. He was 87.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87," the USGA tweeted.
Palmer died on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His health was in decline for some time, it was reported.
Palmer, who celebrated his 87th birthday two weeks ago, was widely regarded as one of the best professional golfers of all time. He was also one of the most charismatic figures in all of sports, drawing loyal fans known as "Arnie's Army" who would follow him at tournaments, ABC News reported.
He was nicknamed "The King" and had won the Masters four times and the British Open twice.
His 50th and last appearance at the Masters came in 2004. That same year he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. Palmer retired from professional golf two years later.
He stayed connected to golf by owning a golf club in Florida and consulting for the Golf Channel.
Outside of golf, Palmer was an avid pilot and his name is largely associated with his eponymous drink, which is a combination of iced tea and lemonade, ABC News added.
Palmer married his first wife Winifred in 1954. She died of cancer in 1999, according to Palmer's official website. He is survived by his second wife, known as Kit, whom he married in 2005, his two daughters, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
News of his death sparked immediate condolences from another notable golfer: Tiger Woods, whose last tweet prior to Sunday night was a message wishing Palmer a happy birthday earlier this month.
"It's hard to believe that Arnold has passed, and I'm deeply saddened by his loss. He meant so much to the game and to me personally. I knew that I could always call him for advice, and I looked forward to seeing him at Bay Hill and the Masters," Tiger Woods said.
"Arnold touched so many people. My kids were born at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and his philanthropic work will be remembered along with his accomplishments in golf. It was an honor and privilege to have known Arnold, and I'm forever grateful for his friendship," Woods said on social media.
"Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. (2/2) It's hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King," he added.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem credited Palmer with taking the popularity of golf to new heights and lamented that his death has robbed the sport of a global ambassador.
"We have lost a great friend and giant in our sport tonight with the passing of Arnold Palmer," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. "There is no way to adequately express the immense sense of loss that we all feel with this news."
"He obviously meant so much not only to the PGA TOUR, but to the entirety of golf by lifting it to newfound visibility and popularity. It is not an exaggeration to say there would be no modern day PGA Tour without Arnold Palmer," Finchem was quoted as saying by the official website of the PGA Tour.
"More than his words, Arnold's actions spoke to his unequivocal love of golf and belief that no individual can be or should be bigger than the game. Arnold totally gave of himself to support golf and its growth."
"He has served as a role model for generations of PGA TOUR members in ways large and small. The game, and all of us involved with it are so much richer for having had the fortune to have Arnold willingly serve as its global champion and ambassador," he added.
"Beyond being an invaluable friend of the TOUR who generously gave of his time, opinion and support, Arnold was a wonderful personal friend and was someone who was always there for me with advice, support and guidance. We will all miss him so."
