Golfing legend Arnold Palmer dies, aged 87
The world awoke this morning to the news that golfing great Arnold Palmer has died, aged 87.
Having won seven majors and 62 other titles, the American is regarded as one of golf's greatest players, not only for his energetic go-for-broke playing style, but also for his charisma and generosity of spirit.
Son of a greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club – an establishment he would later buy – Palmer was taught to play golf by his father as he maintained the course.
The desire to please his father was a key factor in Palmer's thirst for success on the course, overshadowing any desire for fame and fortune.
Palmer became a household name in the UK and Europe when he travelled to the British Open in 1960 with a view to emulating the Open victories of Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead – and his arch rival, Ben Hogan.
A storm interrupted play on the St Andrew's course, much to Palmer's consternation – an occurrence, the Pennsylvanian maintained, that lost him the title. Despite the loss, Palmer loved the British Open and his appearance at the event encouraged many more American golf stars to make the trip to Britain.
Prestige rather than money drove State-side golfers to play in Scotland, since the prize purse was much smaller than those offered at American events. Today, The Open is the only major tour outside the USA, with a purse that matches most US tournaments – and that's thanks, in part, to Palmer's influence.
But perhaps more than anything, Palmer made golf more accessible to millions of ordinary people around the world. Palmer's blue-collar background and approachable, everyman personality ensured he was well-loved by people from all walks of life.
At the very least, Palmer's passing is a reminder of what can be achieved with blood-and-guts determination, in life as well as in golf.
Palmer also proved you can reach the top and still be a nice guy.
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