Golf legend Arnold Palmer dies, age 87

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Phil Casey26 September 2016

Tributes have poured in to Arnold Palmer after the seven-time major winner, who became the most beloved figure in the game, died on Sunday.

Palmer, whose powerful swing, attacking approach and ready smile attracted millions of loyal fans known as 'Arnie's Army' during his illustrious career, had celebrated his 87th birthday earlier this month.

A statement from the United States Golf Association read: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87.

"Arnold Palmer will always be a champion, in every sense of the word.

"He inspired generations to love golf by sharing his competitive spirit, displaying sportsmanship, caring for golfers and golf fans, and serving as a lifelong ambassador for the sport.

"Our stories of him not only fill the pages of golf's history books and the walls of the museum, but also our own personal golf memories. The game is indeed better because of him, and in so many ways, will never be the same."

The Golf Channel, of which Palmer was a co-founder, reported that Palmer died on Sunday afternoon due to complications of heart problems.

ARNOLD PALMER CAREER IN NUMBERS

7 - Major wins. Four Masters titles, two Opens and the US PGA puts him joint seventh on the all-time list.

52 - Official length in years of his playing career, having turned professional in 1954.

2,400 - Palmer's first winner's cheque (in dollars) for victory at the 1955 Canadian Open.

4,408,211 - Career earnings (in dollars) as a player on the PGA and Champions/Seniors Tours.

30,000,000 - Estimated off-course earnings.

20 - Career holes in one.

62 - Best 18-hole round at 1959 Thunderbird Invitational and 1966 Los Angeles Open.

50 - Consecutive appearances at the Masters.

734 - Career starts on the PGA Tour.

319 - Career starts on the Champions/Seniors Tour.

13 - The number of streets named after him in the United States.

He had been unable to take up his customary role as honorary starter at the Masters in April due to a shoulder injury and looked frail as he was helped to a seat on the tee.

Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus both paid an emotional tribute to Palmer after hitting a tee shot on the par-four first hole.

"To have longevity has been a special gift," Player said at the time. "And to come here today and to be on the tee with Arnold being a part of us, it was gratifying and sad, because everything shall pass.

"But it was nice to have him on the tee. I dedicated my first tee shot to him in respect.

"It's a very special moment and I think the love that is extended to us wherever we go in the world is most gratifying that so many people would be on the first tee to see one shot. One billion people seeing one shot around the world is quite extraordinary.

"(Arnold) oozed with charisma. He had a short career in majors compared to Jack and I, but even though it was shorter, boy, he was so charismatic and a great icon and did so much for the game."

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