What they’re saying
JACK NICKLAUS
“Arnold transcended the game of golf. 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 — Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.
“He was the king of our sport and always will be.”
PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER TIM FINCHEM
“We have lost a great friend and giant in our sport tonight with the passing of Arnold Palmer. There is no way to adequately express the immense sense of loss that we all feel with this news. He obviously meant so much not only to the PGA Tour, but to the entirety of golf by lifting it to newfound visibility and popularity. It is not an exaggeration to say there would be no modern day PGA Tour without Arnold Palmer. There would be no PGA Tour Champions without Arnold Palmer. There would be no Golf Channel without Arnold Palmer.
“No one has had a greater impact on those who play our great sport or who are touched by it. It has been said many times over in so many ways, but beyond his immense talent, Arnold transcended our sport with an extraordinarily appealing personality and genuineness that connected with millions, truly making him a champion of the people. The fact that his popularity never waned more than a quarter century after his last competitive victory speaks volumes to the man, the icon and the legendary figure he was. … We will all miss him so.”
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH
“Barbara and I mourn The King, Arnie, the people’s champion. He brought golf to millions by his daring and caring. We miss him already.”
CONDOLEEZZA RICE
“The world has lost an original, a sports legend, a true gentleman, and a generous and compassionate human being. I have lost a friend. … I first learned of Arnold Palmer from my father. He was a member of “Arnie’s Army.” He didn’t even play golf — and he loved ‘The King.’”
RICKIE FOWLER
“Legends never die … you will live on forever Arnie … I will never forget the bear hug in front of the clubhouse at Augusta, to watching you hit your final tee shot there, and to spending time with you in the locker room at Bay Hill … thank you for being you and giving me the opportunity to do what I get to do every day! I Love you as did everyone. RIP The KING!!”
JOHN DALY
“The Legends of all Legends in the game of golf! RIP my friend, always loved u and always will! God Bless my Friend! #AP”