One of America's most well known faces is gone. Arnie was a gentleman and was the face of golf in the 60s. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012...and after receiving it, he went outside and signed autographs for people, always accessible to folks...largely due to Palmer, golf became as popularized as it has. The modern greats owe a great deal to him for that.
After leaving the Pro circuit, he a successful businessman, philanthropist, trailblazing advertising spokesman, talented golf course designer and experienced aviator. Palmer, part of the "Big Three," with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, won 62 titles on the PGA Tour, his last coming in the 1973 Bob Hope Desert Classic. Among those victories were four at the Masters, two at the British Open and one at the U.S. Open. He finished second in the U.S. Open four times, was runner-up three times in the PGA Championship, the only major that eluded him, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, confirmed 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.
Well, we've all lost a truly good man and person and we're all the poorer for it.
