Palmer accorded statesman-like status as tributes flow
CHASKA, Minnesota: Very few figures from the sports world have been mourned as great statesmen or global leaders but iconic golfer Arnold Palmer was accorded that status with US President Barack Obama leading the tributes on Monday.
Obama described Palmer as “the American Dream come to life”, following the death on Sunday of the seven-times major champion at the age 87 due to heart complications.
Palmer is widely regarded as the man most responsible for popularising golf worldwide as television was coming of age in the early 1960s and every leading player in the modern era acknowledges the huge debt they owe the man known as ‘The King’.
The focus of the golf world this week be on Hazeltine National for the Ryder Cup between hosts the United States and holders Europe and organisers have said there will be ‘ touches’ of Palmer tributes during the biennial team competition.
Along with fellow golf greats and rivals Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, ‘ The King’ Palmer formed the fabled ‘Big Three’ who collectively accumulated 34 major championship titles and more than 370 tournament victories around the world.
Not only did that trio set the gold standard for the manner and style of their play, but they also became ideal role models for the sport, both on and off the course.
American Nicklaus and South African Player issued touching and heartfelt tributes to a man they described as a life-long friend as well as a fierce competitor but it was Obama who highlighted Palmer’s appeal to “an audience across the world”. — Reuters