Sad loss of Palmer, a pioneer of modern golf

Atruly great golfer died this week. The word legend is all constantly overused in the sporting lexicon, but there really is no other way to describe Arnold Palmer. He was the first of golf’s great names to make the journey from America to Britain to play in the Open. He was Mark McCormack’s first client at IMG and played a pivotal role in marketing the game. All professional golfers know we are playing for big prize funds because of Arnold. Immensely talented, good looking and dignified – he was a role model for everyone. He was also incredibly intimidating to face. My uncle Bernard played against him a few times and said it was a daunting prospect because he had so many supporters. Palmer was fiercely competitive on the course, but a gentleman off it and will be greatly missed.

PEOPLE PLEASER: A crowd watches on as Arnold Palmer plays a shot at Royal Birkdale in July 1961