Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods And The Golf World Pay Tribute To The Legendary Arnold Palmer

Sadly, Arnold Palmer died on Sunday at age 87 in Pittsburgh. Many notable golfers quickly paid their respects to the “King,” the legend, and the man who transcended the game of golf.

The great Jack Nicklaus reminisced about his competitor and gushed over the PGA icon.

“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.

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.

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 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.”

Tiger Woods

Rickie Fowler

Dustin Johnson

Bubba Watson

Jason Day

Sergio Garcia

Paige Spiranac

Kyle Thompson

President Barack Obama

RIP Arnold.