Arnold Palmer Dies In Pittsburgh At 87
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Golf legend Arnold Palmer died on Sunday in Pittsburgh at the age of 87.
The United States Golf Association confirmed Palmer's passing.
We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87. pic.twitter.com/iQmGtseNN1
— USGA (@USGA) September 26, 2016
Our partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report Palmer died at UPMC Shadyside. He was admitted to UPMC Presbyterian Thursday to undergo heart tests.
Golf Digest Editor Joel Beall first tweeted just before 8:30 p.m. that Palmer had died. Golf Digest's official account followed soon after.
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
The Latrobe native is regarded as one of the greatest players in professional golf history and began playing at the age of 3.
Palmer's flair for the dramatic introduced the elitist world of golf to a blue collar audience. With a wagonload of trophies, he now receives an honor like no other.
He won the WPIAL and PIAA individual titles as a junior and senior at Latrobe High School in 1946-47. Palmer won seven majors, played The Masters for 50 straight years, co-founded the Golf Channel and was IMG's first client.
Palmer drew thousands of fans to the game of golf in the 50s and 60s, as his rabid fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army."
He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012.
PHOTOS: Looking Back At The Legendary Life Of Arnold Palmer
Love poured out on social media for the golfer who touched the hearts of many, including from long time friend Jack Nicklaus.
"At this point I don't know what happened, and I suppose it is not important what happened. What is important is we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and all sports," he wrote. "I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple of weeks ago on his birthday...he was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly."
Tiger Woods also remembered his friend.
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
(2/2) It's hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers remembered the great.
We mourn the loss of golf legend and Latrobe, PA native Arnold Palmer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 26, 2016
Today we lost a true legend and an incredible man. #RIPArniepic.twitter.com/L04sTVt20d
— Pirates (@Pirates) September 26, 2016
President Barack Obama posted a fond memory of him and Palmer in the Oval Office.
Here's to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold. pic.twitter.com/UlyfpIBOL2
— President Obama (@POTUS) September 26, 2016
CBS Dallas reports that Former President George W. Bush released a statement on Palmer's passing.
In part, it reads, "For all who love the game of golf and love to see it played, there has never been a sight quite like Arnold Palmer walking down the fairway toward the 18th green...Laura and I are saddened by Arnie's death and send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow fans."
He also developed the "Arnold Palmer" beverage, his post-round combination of iced tea and lemonade.
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