Arnold Palmer at the first tee of the 2016 The Masters. Photo by Michael Madrid—USA TODAY Sports
Arnold Palmer, a legend who was known as "The King of Golf," passed away today at the age of 87, according to a statement from the USGA. Palmer won 62 titles on the PGA tour (in all majors besides the PGA Championship), was named the "Athlete of the Decade" in the 1960's, and was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal. He was known for playing with a no-holds-barred style that was edgy and risky for a sport known for its decorum and conservatism at the time.With a his svelt, photogenic quality, Palmer became one of the first television superstar athletes, embracing a lifestyle of catering to his fans, who affectionately called themselves "Arnie's Army." Palmer not only has an airport named after him, but a golf tournament, hospitals, streets, and, yes, even a drink. He golfed with presidents, and Dwight Eisenhower once painted a portrait of him. His impact on the game, and the lives of many, will certainly resonate for generations of golfers to come.
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