Arnold Palmer, Golf Legend, Dies at 87

“Rest in peace, Arnie. You are forever a legend in golf and in life,” Golf Digest tweeted

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Arnold Palmer, one of the golf world’s original superstars has died Sunday, according to Golf Digest. He was 87.

Details of his passing are forthcoming.

“Today marks the passing of an era,” Alastair Johnston, Palmer’s longtime agent at IMG said in a statement. “Arnold Palmer’s influence, profile and achievements spread far beyond the game of golf. He was an iconic American who treated people with respect and warmth, and built a unique legacy through his ability to engage with fans.”

Ariel Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, Co-CEOs of WME/IMG, also wrote, “Arnold Palmer set the standard for athletes in life and in business with his passion, charisma, and dedication. We will forever remember him as IMG’s first client and a man who profoundly shaped the modern-day sports industry. On behalf of all of our employees and partners, we send our deepest condolences to Arnold’s family, friends and fans.”

Palmer hosted his annual PGA tournament at his Bay Hill Club & Lodge outside Orlando in March, where he was seemed fragile. Days prior to the event, he announced that he wouldn’t be hitting the ceremonial first tee shot at The Master, a yearly tradition since 2007.

Palmer was one of the most beloved golfers of all time — but his cultural impact even extended to the beverage world.

Anyone who has ever mixed iced tea with lemonade has enjoyed the man’s namesake and signature drink, the aptly titled Arnold Palmer. Countless of those concoctions have been enjoyed after a round of 18 holes — expect thousands more to be tilted back in memoriam this fall.

Of course, Palmer truly made his name on the course. The Wake Forest alum accumulated 95 professional tour wins, including 7 majors. Palmer actually won the Masters every other year from 1958 to 1964. He never won the PGA Championship, though Palmer finished runner-up three times.

In 1974, Palmer was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He was survived by two daughters and a grandson, Sam Saunders, who plays on the PGA Tour.

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