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The King. RIP (1 Viewer)

From Jack Nicholas' FB

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, grand-kids, great grandchildren, 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.
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Great golfer, classy guy.  Glad to see the golf community, and the world, is recognizing the incredible human being we have lost. RIP Arnie..

 
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Was watching The Golf Channel just now and they brought Freddie on the air.  He was on the phone.  He lasted only seconds before he started bawling uncontrollably.  He had to hang up.  It was like a child crying, he couldn't get a word out.  So emotional.  Wow.  He's since pulled it together and is back on air but holy #### he completely lost it, poor guy.

It definitely tells you how much he meant to the people that actually got to know him.  My god.
 
In 1972 my then 14 y.o. brother attended the week long Arnold Palmer Golf Acadeny at Stratton Mountain, VT. He managed to win his flight at the end of week, and along with two other boys, got to play 9 holes with Arnie. It was the greatest thrill of my mother's life.

Arnold flew in on his jet, attended a brief ceremony, and then played a round of golf with the boys. He was so gracious to everyone. 

Playing in the 1960 Open Championship elevated that event back to major status. That seems odd today but it wasn't held in the high esteem it deserves for much of the postwar period.

He was a global sports figure before Ali and endorsed products all over the world. He was Jordan before MJ was born.

He was just a great guy. He had an Everyman quality about him, and it was genuine. Women swooned over him and the men wanted to be him. He had a complicated relationship with Nicklaus - the rivalry extended beyond the course into business - but they almost always cordial.

There was and always will be only one King in golf. He wasn't the greatest golfer of all-time, but he was the greatest man in the sport. Athletes in every sport who ascend to ambassador of their game look to him for the example. No one ever represented their profession better.

Long live The King. In our hearts forever. 

 
BobbyLayne said:
In 1972 my then 14 y.o. brother attended the week long Arnold Palmer Golf Acadeny at Stratton Mountain, VT. He managed to win his flight at the end of week, and along with two other boys, got to play 9 holes with Arnie. It was the greatest thrill of my mother's life.

Arnold flew in on his jet, attended a brief ceremony, and then played a round of golf with the boys. He was so gracious to everyone. 

Playing in the 1960 Open Championship elevated that event back to major status. That seems odd today but it wasn't held in the high esteem it deserves for much of the postwar period.

He was a global sports figure before Ali and endorsed products all over the world. He was Jordan before MJ was born.

He was just a great guy. He had an Everyman quality about him, and it was genuine. Women swooned over him and the men wanted to be him. He had a complicated relationship with Nicklaus - the rivalry extended beyond the course into business - but they almost always cordial.

There was and always will be only one King in golf. He wasn't the greatest golfer of all-time, but he was the greatest man in the sport. Athletes in every sport who ascend to ambassador of their game look to him for the example. No one ever represented their profession better.

Long live The King. In our hearts forever. 
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Came to say much of this but you put it perfectly.  He set the standard as a corporate spokesman.  Heard he had the gift of making you feel like you were the only one in the room with him.  Remembered names, looked you in the eye, genuinely cared.  RIP Mr. Palmer.

 
Special place in my heart for Arnold Palmer. Maybe the only thing that surpassed his golf game was his philanthropy. Through his fundraising of millions of dollars, he helped establish the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital here in Orlando, and  later the Winnie Palmer Hospital for women and babies (named after his late wife). My kids were born there, and when my youngest was diagnosed with childhood cancer and had to have his kidney removed at the age of 10 months, all of the medical procedures and years of follow up were done there. 9 years later and still cancer free, my son and my family owe a great deal of thanks to the man who made this possible.

God bless an amazing golfer, and an even better soul.

 
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From what i hear, he was a genuine Pied Piper. If he walked into a room, you wanted to walk out with him, wanted to play a round, wanted to do whatever it was which gave that serenity and activity to his walk and manner. Special man - RIP.

 
I was glad I got to see him play.  Granted it was on the Senior Tour.

But as others have mentioned his sincerity was real.

The tournament we were at, we were sitting at a Par3 that was "tucked" away from other holes. And along the hole was a winding road that led to the clubhouse. The road was a little elevated but not much. 

So a, ( I think Cadillac) is driving up and the car stops. The passenger window rolls down and you hear someone say jokingly from the passenger seat. 

"Whats going on here?"  Turn around and it's Arnie with a big grin.  He smiled and waved to everyone. Don't remember if he got out or not.

But he sat there for a couple minuted chatting with folks.  It was pretty cool

 
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Considering I'm only 40, I missed his days on the pro tour.  However, I was still old enough for him to become my favorite player on the Senior tour.  I know he was 87, but still seems too early.  

 
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