“He was the king of our sport” – Jack Nicklaus on Arnold Palmer.
‘The Golden Bear’ said goodbye to one of his fiercest ever opponents this morning after the sad news broke of Palmer’s passing, at the grand old age of 87.
Soon after his $11.5m Tour Championship and FedEx wins, Rory McIlroy was also asked for his thoughts on the seven-time Major winner. He words were heartfelt:
“Arnold put on a brave face but I know he was suffering for quite a while…
“He brought the game to the masses. If it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer, we wouldn’t be playing for these obscene amounts of money every week.”
Remembering the special times I spent with Mr Palmer at Bay Hill. A true pioneer for our sport. Forever remembered. pic.twitter.com/qJQBpDWTWv
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 26, 2016
McIlroy fondly recalled attending a dinner hosted by the golfing great when he agreed to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in 2015. The stories Palmer shared, he said, brought a smile to everyone’s face. McIlroy added:
“He was a great man and was so generous.
“The stuff he did for the Orlando community and with the children’s hospital [there] should not be forgotten.”
Tiger Woods, one of golf’s modern greats, also paid tribute:
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
(2/2) It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
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