Legendary Golf Pro Arnold Palmer Dies

AP

Golf legend Arnold Palmer died on Sunday in Pittsburgh at age 87, according to Golf Digest. 

Arnold Palmer has passed away at 87 years old. Rest in peace, Arnie. You are forever a legend in golf and in life.

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 26, 2016

Arnold Palmer is considered one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport and was known simply as The King,

Born in Pennsylvania in 1929, the son of a golf pro and greenskeeper who cut down some clubs and gave his son his first swing at the game, Palmer had a natural knack for golf. No one did more to popularize the sport than Arnold Palmer. He was revered among his fans and competitors alike. 

After decades of successful competitive golfing, Palmer managed to maintain a high profile in the game. Every March he presided over the Arnold Palmer Invitational as the only living player with his name attached to a PGA Tour event. He also served as the longtime national spokesperson for the USGA’s member program, and was an original investor and frequent guest on Golf Channel. Others simply knew him for the drink that carried his name, the Arnold Palmer consisting of equal parts iced tea and lemonade.

Arnold Palmer was vocal about his love for country music. In 2009, the golf pro was the special guest of Vince Gill at The Vinny golf tournament in Tennessee. A few years later, Gill was on hand when Palmer became the 6th athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

In 2012, Rascal Flatts performed at Arnold Palmer’s “Music For Champions” Benefit for TJ Martell Foundation.

Palmer is survived by his second wife, Kit, daughters Amy Saunders and Peggy Wears, six grandchildren, including Sam Saunders, who plays on the PGA Tour.