On Monday, Sept. 25th, 2016, a phenomenal golfer, mixologist, and friend to all passed away. Arnold Daniel Palmer was born on Sept. 10, 1929 in Latrobe, Pa. Palmer quickly became affiliated with the sport of golf, thanks to his father, Milfred who was a greenskeeper at the Latrobe Country Club. Milfred taught Arnold at a very young age everything he knew about golf. His father must have been a pretty good coach because in 1954, Palmer turned pro. Palmer won seven major championships in his career, pinning him atop the list with the greatest golfers in the world. This, as well as many other career wins, gave Arnold the nickname, “The King.”
All of his wins, however, weren’t the only thing Arnold Palmer was known for. Besides his delicious half and half ice tea and lemonade, Palmer was well known for his kindness and leadership. Palmer’s kindness stemmed from his love of everyone, especially children. He started the “Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children” in the 2000s and created two more later. This, however, is just one of the countless kind acts that Palmer was known for.
Although Palmer isn’t physically alive anymore, his presence was still very evident in the tournament following his death, the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is a match play tournament where the United States plays against all of Europe. Arnold Palmer personally played 33 matches in the Ryder Cup, winning 22 of them. According to the players in the Ryder Cup, Palmer’s electrifying presence was felt in all of the players. Palmer’s presence was also seen on the football cleats of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown’s. Brown’s cleats featured a picture of Palmer with his nickname, “The King,” written across the side. Although Palmer is gone, he will always still be in the Hall of Fame and the hearts of many.