Golf Legend Arnold Palmer Dies At 87

Arnold Palmer has always been considered one of golf’s most beloved legends. He was actually nicknamed “The King,” and won seven major championships throughout his professional career, which spanned more than 50 years.

Golf Legend Arnold Palmer Dies At 87

Palmer died Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh, his longtime spokesman and friend Doc Griffin told ESPN. He was 87.

“I’m just so heartbroken about it,” Giffin said. “As much as Arnold Palmer meant to the world, he meant that much and more to me.”

According to his longtime agent, Alastair Johnston, Palmer passed of complications from heart problems just 15 days after his 87th birthday. Johnston added Palmer was admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian on Thursday for some cardiovascular work, and weakened over his final few days.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf’s greatest ambassador, at age 87,” the U.S. Golf Association said in a statement.  “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 King” won the Masters four times, The Open twice and the U.S. Open once.

A public memorial service will be held at 11 am EST on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. His burial will be private.

In addition to being a great golfer, Palmer went on to become a successful businessman, philanthropist, trailblazing advertising spokesman, golf course designer and experienced aviator. Palmer also accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2004, and even gave the former president a few golf tips in the East Room of the White House. Eight years later, Palmer won the Congressional Gold Medal.

Famed golfer Jack Nicklaus expressed his sadness at the news of Palmer’s passing on Twitter:

President Barack Obama also reacted to the news of the legend’s death on Twitter:

Palmer was born Sept. 10, 1929, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. He began his professional career in 1954. He earned his first PGA Tour victory at the 1995 Canadian Open in his rookie season, and his first-round 64 remained the best opening round of his career.

He went on to capture 62 titles on the PGA Tour, fifth-most all time, and 92 including international and senior victories. He was named PGA Player of the Year twice (1960 and ’62) and the tour’s leading money winner four times, with total tournament earnings of almost $7 million. Palmer even became the namesake for a drink, which is a mixture of iced tea and lemonade.

Like Palmer, USGA executive director and CEO Mike Davis grew up in western Pennsylvania. He remembered Palmer in a statement Monday morning.

“Arnold never wavered in his love for the game, from his time as an amateur until my last visit with him a few weeks ago,” Davis said. “His legacy reaches far beyond his playing career, as a lifelong ambassador for our sport. It is hard to think of anyone who had done more for golf. The game is better because of him, and in many ways will never be the same.”

Palmer won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour four times, played on six Ryder Cup teams and was captain twice. He was also the “Athlete of the Decade” for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll.

Palmer was predeceased by his first wife, Winnie, and survived by his second wife, Kit; he is also survived by his daughters, Amy (Roy) Saunders and Peggy (Stewart) Bryan; six grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerry; and his sisters, Sandra Sarni and Lois “Cheech” Tilly.

Palmer’s daughter Amy issued a statement Monday, part of which read: “These first hours have been challenging but we are comforted knowing that he was loved by so many and so deeply. Words cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for the many people who have offered to help us in this time of sadness. My father would be so pleased to know that he is being thought of and recognized this way.”

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 09: Homorary Starter, Arnold Palmer of the USA hits the firs shot during the first round of the 2015 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)