Iconic golfer Arnold Palmer dies at 87

Palmer, the golf great whose charisma and common touch drew a legion of fans known as "Arnie's Army" died yesterday at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital.

His longtime assistant Doc Griffin confirmed the player known as "The King" had died however no cause of death was immediately given although the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported he had undergone cardiac tests.

Palmer captured seven major tournaments during his illustrious career, taking The Masters four times (in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964), the British Open twice (in 1961 and 1962) and the US Open once (in 1960).

His go-for-broke style, raw athleticism and unorthodox swing enthralled fans, and he became one of golf's first television superstars, helping make the sport accessible to a much wider audience.

His rise- along with that of Nicklaus and Gary Player - set the stage for the sport's huge broadcast rights fees and prize money riches, which were later enhanced by the success of Tiger Woods.

"Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs," Woods said on Twitter. "It's hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King."

Palmer looked frail when he joined fellow icons Player and Nicklaus for the ceremonial first tee shot at the Masters in April.

For the first time in 10 years, he didn't swing a club, instead sitting in a chair to watch the spectacle.

Palmer, born September 10, 1929, was the son of the club professional and greens superintendent at Latrobe Country Club.

Palmer started caddying at 11 and went on to work almost every job at the club.

Fans identified with his blue-collar background, and he never forgot his roots even as he piloted his own jet to charity functions and business meetings and became a friend of presidents and corporate big-wigs.

"Palmer went to bed at night with charisma. And the next morning he woke up with more," legendary Sam Snead once said.

Palmer attended Wake Forest University on a golf scholarship. At age 24,

US President Barack Obama also mourned Palmers death tweeting a photo of a lesson Palmer gave him in the Oval Office of the White House.

"Here's to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, he said.

Former President Bill Clinton called Palmer "golf's everyman."

"We loved him most as the underdog who never gave in and often came from behind to win," Clinton said, while former President George W. Bush said "there has never been a sight quite like Arnold Palmer walking down the fairway toward the 18th green."

Palmer's everlasting legacy is found in the star players and rich events of today, such as Rory McIlroy and the $11.5 million he won for taking the Tour Championship and FedExCup playoff crown.

"He has meant so much to golf worldwide," four-time major winner McIlroy told The Golf Channel, which Palmer co-founded.

"Arnold wasn't the most successful player ever but he was the player that brought the game to the masses.

"If it wasn't for Arnold Palmer, we wouldn't be playing for these obscene amounts of money we play for every week."

- The King now and forever -

A shocked and saddened Nicklaus, who won a record 18 major titles, mourned one of his dearest friends.

"Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon," Nicklaus said. "He was a legend. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself."

Palmer, whose biography "A Life Well Played" is due in bookstores next month, had a design firm that built more than 300 golf courses worldwide.

Palmer played 50 Masters in a row before his last in 2004. He had served as a ceremonial starter with Nicklaus and Player in recent years but was too ill to do more than sit and watch the others tee off this year.

Augusta National, where Palmer won four green jackets between 1958 and 1964, was stunned as well.

"Arnold answered the calling for Masters greatness throughout his career," Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said.

"Arnold's bold and daring approach to the game, combined with his citizenship, warmth, humor, humility and grace, were truly the signature of the man that we came to know and will fondly remember, as 'The King.'"

Payne said the club will pay tribute to "our game's finest ambassador" at next year's Masters.

- Palmer inspires US at Cup -

Palmer will also be celebrated at this week's 41st Ryder Cup matches at Hazeltine where holders Europe seek a fourth win in a row over a US squad now motivated to win for Palmer, who played on six Cup-winning sides.

"I'll miss you friend. rip the King," tweeted US standout Rickie Fowler, while US Open champion Dustin Johnson added, "mr palmer was truly one of golf's greatest icons. His legacy will live on."

His death became known only hours after the end of the PGA season.