In this April 12, 1964 file photo, Arnold Palmer swings his putter after he rolled in a long birdie putt on 18 to win his fourth Masters golf tournament, in Augusta, Ga. Palmer, who made golf popular for the masses with his hard-charging style, incomparable charisma and a personal touch that made him known throughout the golf world as “The King,” died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Pittsburgh. He was 87. (AP Photo/File)
In this April 9, 2015, file photo, Arnold Palmer hits an honorary tee shot before the first round of the Masters golf tournament, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
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. He was 87.
Alastair Johnson, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, confirmed that Palmer died Sunday afternoon 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.
Palmer ranked among the most important figures in golf history, and it went well beyond his seven major championships and 62 PGA Tour wins. 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.
“If it wasn’t for Arnold, golf wouldn’t be as popular as it is now,” Tiger Woods said in 2004 when Palmer played in his last Masters. “He’s the one who basically brought it to the forefront on TV. If it wasn’t for him and his excitement, his flair, the way he played, golf probably would not have had that type of excitement.
“And that’s why he’s the king.”