Golf greats saddened by Palmer’s passing
Jack Nicklaus, left, Gary Player, center, and Arnold Palmer celebrate after Palmer’s birdie putt on the 18th green during a 2012 Greats of Golf event at The Woodlands, Texas.
Arnold Palmer walks across the Hogan Bridge on the 12th fairway for the final time during the second round of the 2009 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.
Former Masters champion Arnold Palmer sits on clubhouse railing in 2004 the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.
A grinning Arnold Palmer is surrounded by applauding citizens of his native Latrobe in August of 1960 shaking hands with a couple of enthusiastic boys.
Tiger Woods being helped into his jacket for winning the 2001 Bay Hill Invitational by tournament host Arnold Palmer in Orlando, Fla.
Golf greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods were among those who reflected on Arnold Palmer’s death Sunday night.
Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, confirmed Palmer died 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.
“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.” – Jack Nicklaus.
•
“It’s hard to believe that Arnold has passed, and I’m deeply saddened by his loss. He meant so much to the game and to me personally. I knew that I could always call him for advice, and I looked forward to seeing him at Bay Hill and the Masters. Arnold touched so many people. My kids were born at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and his philanthropic work will be remembered along with his accomplishments in golf. It was an honor and privilege to have known Arnold, and I’m forever grateful for his friendship.” – Tiger Woods.
•
“The Masters Tournament, together with the membership of Augusta National Golf Club, joins the global sports and golf community in honoring the memory of Arnold Palmer.
“The very essence of the Masters is twofold: to summon nothing less than greatness from the men who annually compete for the title of Masters champion, and to inspire people from all over the world through the magnificence of the game of golf. History at Augusta National will show that Arnold answered the calling for Masters greatness throughout his career, winning the Green Jacket in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964. The inspiration we drew from Arnold Palmer, however, is what we celebrate now and forever.
“Arnold’s bold and daring approach to the game, combined with his citizenship, warmth, humor, humility and grace, were truly the signature of the man that we came to know, and will fondly remember, as The King. His presence at Augusta National will be sorely missed, but his impact on the Masters remains immeasurable – and it will never wane.
“Our thoughts are with Arnold’s beloved wife Kit and his entire family. We look forward to the 2017 Masters Tournament, when we will do our very best to appropriately pay our respects to Arnold Palmer – a Masters legend, our game’s finest ambassador, and a hero to generations of people throughout the world.
“Most importantly, we, his friends at Augusta National Golf Club, will always love him.” – Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.