OT: Arnold Palmer has passed away.
- Thread starter BigBlueFanGA
- Start date
A true pioneer not just in golf but sports in general. I believe he was the first to use an agent as representation. He took golf to the masses. A true sports icon.
2016 has been rough for sports with Palmer, Gordie Howe, Pat Summitt, and Ali. We aren't just talking about superstars on the game, those 4 are all time greats in their fields.
2016 has been rough for sports with Palmer, Gordie Howe, Pat Summitt, and Ali. We aren't just talking about superstars on the game, those 4 are all time greats in their fields.
So sad. A true gentleman. Always kind to his fans. Tremendous golfer. Brought golf out of the country clubs.
Jack Nicklaus's comment on Arnold's passing on twitter:
"I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend—and that golf lost a great friend.
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."
"I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend—and that golf lost a great friend.
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."
Arnie was very special to me as a golfer. It also has been noted by many what a great man he was and I regard him as one of the all time athletes who happened to perform with a great deal of class. He will be missed. Have to admit that the tribute they had last night on ESPN brought out a few tears, especially when Curtis Strange broke down crying while talking about Palmer. Great golfer and terrific person. RIP, Arnie.
The Masters, the game of golf in general, will not be the same. Saw a picture of Arnie and Tiger laughing from a few years ago and it made me pretty emotional. I've always been a Tiger Woods fan, but knowing how much Arnie meant to the sport really made me a fan of his. RIP, Arnie. Golf will miss you.
