Golfing great Arnold Palmer died on Sunday, aged 87. Following are some of the reactions to his death:
JACK NICKLAUS, LONGTIME FRIEND AND RIVAL
“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.”
TIGER WOODS, FORMER WORLD NUMBER ONE
“Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. It's hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.”
PETER THOMSON, AUSTRALIAN RIVAL AND FRIEND
“Arnold was the folk hero of golf. Not only was he the greatest personality the game has produced, he was King of the fairways every time he played.
“We were only two weeks apart in age and great rivals. We certainly had some wonderful times together.”
ALASTAIR JOHNSTON, PALMER'S LONGTIME AGENT
“Today marks the passing of an era. 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.”
TIM FINCHEM, PGA TOUR COMMISSIONER
“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.”
UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION
“Arnold Palmer will always be a champion, in every sense of the word. He inspired generations to love golf by sharing his competitive spirit, displaying sportsmanship, caring for golfers and golf fans, and serving as a lifelong ambassador for the sport.”
RORY MCILROY, FOUR-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION
“He's meant so much to golf worldwide ... If it wasn't for Arnold Palmer we wouldn't be playing for the obscene amounts of money we play for every week.
“What he has been able to do for the game, the players, I think everyone realises that, respects that, I think that is why you see so many guys go to play (the Arnold Palmer Invitational) every year because they want to pay their respects to the man that paved the way for us.”
DAVIS LOVE III, UNITED STATES RYDER CUP CAPTAIN
“When I think of Arnold Palmer, I think of his natural ability to relate to people, the close bond he had with his father, and how when I first came on Tour, he made young professionals like me feel welcome.
“Tonight our country lost a great sportsman, a great American. As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, our team will keep Mr. Palmer's family in our prayers and will draw from his strength and determination to inspire us.”
NICK FALDO, BRITISH SIX-TIMES MAJOR CHAMPION
“When Arnold came over in the 60s and wins two in a row, that I believe saved the (British) Open championship, or globalised it as you call it now.”
GRAEME MCDOWELL, NORTHERN IRISH GOLFER
“Just heard the news about #TheKing. Can't believe it. Amazing man and his legacy in the game and in our hearts will live forever.”
DAVID DUVAL, AMERICAN GOLFER
“Not a single modern golf fan would be a fan without him. The King made golf cool.”
IAN POULTER, BRITISH GOLFER
“Sad news Mr Arnold Palmer past away. Golf has lost its King. His legacy will last forever. Thank you for what you have done for golf.
Reuters