Today the sports world lost a legend, as Arnold Palmer passed away. He was 87 years old.
Nicknamed “The King”, Palmer entered the pro scene after winning the U.S. Amateur in 1954, quickly moving on to win his first pro event, the Canadian Open, in 1955. He is credited with elevating the sport once television coverage started in the 50s and 60s. His numerous awards includes winning the Masters four times (1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964), the US Open in 1960 and the Open Championship twice, in 1961 and 1962.
He was known as one of the “Big Three” along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player and was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1960. His contributions to the sport could also be see off the field of play, as he created a successful golf course design business, helped launch the Golf Channel and started selling the branded half lemonade-half ice tea drink called the the “Arnold Palmer” in 2001.
He retired from the game in 2006, leaving the sport with 95 victories and being recognized as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
