Pittsburgh (US): Arnold Palmer, one of golf’s greatest players whose immense popularity drew a legion of fans to the game at the dawn of the age of televised sport, died of heart complications Sunday. He was 87.
Palmer, a charismatic figure popularly known as ‘The King of the fairways’ who accumulated 62 career victories on the PGA Tour including seven major championships, died at UPMC Hospital here, near his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Palmer was especially dominant from 1960-63, winning 29 PGA Tour events. Palmer had an unorthodox swing and go-for-broke style that added to his appeal among his loyal fans, who became known as ‘Arnie’s Army’.
Palmer’s affable demeanor, telegenic looks and success on the course all helped boost television ratings for golf, making it a staple of weekend TV sports.
Highlights
# He was a pilot who continued to fly until he was 81.
# He has a regional airport named after him in Pennsylvania.
# In 1967, he became the first golfer to reach $1 million in career earnings.
# Former US President George W Bush awarded Palmer the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, in 2004
Reuters
