Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Palmer, the man who took golf from walled course to living room

- Associated Press sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

NEW YORK: Arnold Palmer charged across the golf course and into America’s living rooms with a gofor-broke style that made a country club sport popular for the everyman. At ease with presidents and the public, he was on a first-name basis with both.

Through his remarkable life, he never lost that personal touch. That’s what made him the King.

Palmer died Sunday in Pittsburgh. He was 87.

“Arnold transcende­d the game of golf,” Jack Nicklaus said. “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.

“He was the king of our sport and always will be.”

Alastair Johnston, the CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprise­s, said Palmer was admitted to the UPMC Hospital on Thursday for some cardiovasc­ular work and weakened over the last few days.

The memories of Palmer went beyond his golf and to the people who couldn’t take their eyes off him.

The recent draws in La Liga, reports of rift between Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Zinedine Zidane and the exceptiona­l home record of their opponent means the Los Blancos will have their task cut out. Here’s a look at the players Dortmund will bank on to continue their home run against Real Madrid:

Besides them, a group of proven profession­als like Andre Schurrle and Sebastian Rode and highly-rated youngsters such as Ousmane Dembele (19) and Emre Mor (18) have also had impressive outings. When Marco Reus returns from injury, Borussia would be more attacking and dangerous.

“He was an iconic American who treated people with respect and warmth, and built a unique legacy through his ability to engage with fans,” Johnston said.

Palmer ranked among the most important figures in golf history , and it went well beyond his seven major championsh­ips and 62 PGA Tour wins.

His good looks, devilish grin and hard-charging style of play made the elite sport appealing to one and all. And it helped that he arrived about the same time as television moved into most households, a perfect fit that sent

Some of the key players the Yellow Brigade lost in the summer included Mats Hummels

(Bayern Munich), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United).

However, Thomas Tuchel’s side has got off to a flying start and barring one hiccup in the Bundesliga, they have won all their matches. golf to unpreceden­ted popularity.

“If it wasn’t for Arnold, golf wouldn’t be as popular as it is now,” Tiger Woods said in 2004 when Palmer played in his last Masters. “He’s the one who basically brought it to the forefront on TV. If it wasn’t for him and his excitement, his flair, the way he played, golf probably would not have had that type of excitement. “And that’s why he’s the king.” Beyond his golf, Palmer was a pioneer in sports marketing, paving the way for scores of other athletes to reap in millions from endorsemen­ts.

They also enjoyed a 3-0 German Cup win at fourth-tier Eintracht Trier as well as an impressive 6-0 rout of Legia Warszawa in Poland a fortnight ago to kick-off their Champions League campaign. US President Barack Obama paid homage to Arnold Palmer, saying he was “the American dream come to life.” Obama praised the late golfer’s rise from a humble start in Pennsylvan­ia to “superstard­om.”. “Here’s to The King who was as extraordin­ary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold,” Obama tweeted with a photo of a lesson Palmer gave him in the Oval Office. Played: 10 Real: 4 Lost: 0 Draw: 2

The Bundesliga side has won their last four home matches against Spanish visitors. Their overall record at home against La Liga opposition is seven victories, three draws and two defeats.

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PICS: GETTY IMAGES ALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STATS
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 ??  ?? Arnold Palmer, ranked among the most important figures in golf history, passed away on Sunday. REUTERS
Arnold Palmer, ranked among the most important figures in golf history, passed away on Sunday. REUTERS

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