Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods in 2013.. (Getty)
Arnold Palmer, who was known by many as the “King,” died on Sunday at age 87. After his death was announced by his agent, the golf community quickly took to Twitter to pay tribute to the icon, who became the first face of golf in the television era.
Jack Nicklaus, issued the longest tribute to Palmer, who he called a friend. He said he recently spoke to Palmer this month to wish him a happy birthday.
“I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday (Sept. 10), when he sounded great,” Nicklaus wrote. “So Barbara and I are just in shock and incredibly saddened. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Kit, his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and his entire loving family.”
Nicklaus concluded his tribute by noting, “He was the king of our sport and always will be.”
Here are some of the other tributes pouring in.
Rickie Fowler:
I’ll miss you friend #ripTheKING
Tiger Woods:
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
(2/2) It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.
Jason Day:
So sad to hear Mr. Palmer has passed away. He touched us all and was an incredible role model. The KING.
Dustin Johnson:
Mr. Palmer was truly one of golf’s greatest icons. His legacy will live on. #RIPTheKing
Bubba Watson:
The golfing world lost a legend today. Prayers for the Palmer family! #MrPalmer #TheKing #Weregoingtomissyou
Sergio Garcia:
Very sad news to hear of the passing of the great Arnold Palmer. We will miss you very much. The King and Legend. RIP
Kyle Thompson:
This letter from Arnold Palmer last year will always be one of my greatest treasures. Pure class and he will be missed! #TheKing 🙏
Paige Spiranac:
Sad day in golf. RIP to the King. #arnoldpalmer
Jack Nicklaus:
I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend—and that golf lost a great friend.
At this point I don’t know what happened, and I suppose it is not important what happened. What is important is that we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports. My friend—many people’s friend—just wore out. I know he was in Pittsburgh trying to find out how to make himself better. That’s what Arnold has always tried to do. He has always been a fighter and he never gave up on anything. He didn’t give up even now. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and spirit did not.
I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday (Sept. 10), when he sounded great. So Barbara and I are just in shock and incredibly saddened. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Kit, his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and his entire loving family.
He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.
Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself. Along the way, he had millions of adoring fans—Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.
He was the king of our sport and always will be.
President Barack Obama also paid tribute:
Here’s to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold.
Here is the President’s entire statement:
With his homemade swing and homespun charm, Arnold Palmer had swagger before we had a name for it. From a humble start working at the local club in his beloved Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to superstardom as the face of golf around the globe, Arnold was the American Dream come to life.
Along the way he racked up win after win – but it wasn’t his success that made him King. Arnold’s freewheeling, fearless approach to the game inspired a generation of golfers and, for the first time on TV, enthralled an audience across the world. Sure, we liked that he won seven majors, but we loved that he went for it when he probably should have laid up.
That spirit extended beyond the links where he gave freely of himself and poured everything he had into everything he did: from building hospitals to personally responding to countless letters from his fans. And he did it all with a grin that hinted maybe he had one more shot up his sleeve.
Today, Michelle and I stand with Arnie’s Army in saluting the King.
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Arnold Palmer Dead: Golf Stars Pay Tribute to the Legend on Twitter