Arnold Palmer, 87, one of golf’s greatest players, dies

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest and most popular players in the history of golf, has died, according to the US Golf Association. He was 87.

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

Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, confirmed that Palmer died Sunday afternoon of complications from heart problems.

Named the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s by the Associated Press, Palmer won 92 professional golf championships, including four Masters, two British Opens and a US Open. He finished second at the PGA Championship three times. His 62 titles on the PGA Tour included the 1957 Azalea Open in Wilmington.

Palmer’s superstar status, highlighted by his loyal following known as “Arnie’s Army” at tournaments, is credited with helping build the national and international status of golf. He is widely considered one of golf’s most beloved figures if not the most.

A native of Latrobe, PA, Palmer graduated from Wake Forest University. His name is also synonymous with a drink consisting of lemonade and iced tea.

Arnold Palmer brought a country-club sport to the masses with a hard-charging style, charisma and a commoner’s touch. At ease with both presidents and the golfing public, and on a first-name basis with both, “The King,” died Sunday in Pittsburgh.

His good looks, devilish grin and go-for-broke manner made the elite sport appealing to one and all. And it helped that he arrived about the same time as television moved into most households, a perfect fit that sent golf to unprecedented popularity.

Beyond his golf, Palmer was a pioneer in sports marketing, paving the way for scores of other athletes to reap in millions from endorsements. Some four decades after his last PGA Tour win, he ranked among the highest-earners in golf.

On the golf course, Palmer was an icon not for how often he won, but the way he did it.