Golf’s most beloved figure, Arnold Palmer, dies at 87

[tuolumnejim]

RIP for a truly great sportsman.

Link

Arnold Palmer, a seven-time major winner who brought golf to the masses and became the most beloved figure in the game, died Sunday, a source close to the family confirmed to Golfweek. He was 87.

Reaction poured in from “Arnie’s Army” of admirers in the world of golf.

“We loved him with a mythic American joy,” said Palmer biographer James Dodson. “He represented everything that is great about golf. The friendship, the fellowship, the laughter, the impossibility of golf, the sudden rapture moment that brings you back, a moment that you never forget, that’s Arnold Palmer in spades. He’s the defining figure in golf.”

[Ralph Wiggum]

Truly a sad day in sports & more importantly, for Mr. Palmer's contribution to society as a whole.  Far beyond golf.

Rest in peace, "King".

[BlueStateSaint]

One of the local sports personalities was on WGY this morning, and said that he never heard anyone say a bad word about Arnold Palmer.  Also, he had the sports marketing end down pat--he made $7 million during his golfing career, but $300 million after he retired.

RIP to a true gentleman.

[Ralph Wiggum]

One of the local sports personalities was on WGY this morning, and said that he never heard anyone say a bad word about Arnold Palmer.  Also, he had the sports marketing end down pat--he made $7 million during his golfing career, but $300 million after he retired.

RIP to a true gentleman.

Have heard the exact same thing.  Read an interesting factoid last night, Palmer "only" earned about $3.2 million on the course.  Yet as of last year, well past competitive age, still ranked 6th in golf earnings.  All from endorsements.  His name was still golden, even at his age.

Really wasn't alive during his prime, as he won his last PGA event when I was a small child.  But his enduring legend grew even more and was passed down to my generation and beyond.