Arnold Palmer, golf legend, passed away Sunday evening at the age of 87. A name popularized by his own twist on sweet tea, he is remembered for his wins, his charisma and a lifetime dedicated to the game of golf. The native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania's contributions to the game still live on today. Check out some fun facts Arnie is remembered for.
1. A life dedicated to the game
The native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania never knew a day golf was not part of his life. Taught by his father, a country club golf pro, he learned the game of golf at age three. After his long reign on the PGA tour, Palmer stayed active, playing on the senior circuit.
2. A winning record
Winning seven Majors and having 62 PGA wins clenched Palmer's legacy as one of the game's greatest golfers. Known as "the King," he was the first professional golfer to become a millionaire.
He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. For his legacy off the course, Palmer was awarded the Congressional Golf Medal in 2012 and Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, some of the highest civilian honors given.
3. Best dressed
Whether donning a coveted green jacket, a preppy cardigan or sporting a fitted polo and the crisp pleats of his always ironed golf pants, Arnie was known for his classic style. GQ credits him as one of "The 50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years" and Esquire lists him as one of "The 75 Best Dressed Men of All Time." He understood the importance of looking his best out of respect for the game and for the sake of his own mindset.
3. Popularized the game
He made the game look cool. As television media developed, Arnold Palmer's success and charisma attracted a following. Known as "Arnie's Army," Palmer was the first professional golfer to have a fan base to follow him around. Due to his popularization of the sport, he is credited with bringing the game to the masses.
4. Giving us the Arnold Palmer
It doesn't get better than Arnie's half sweet tea, half lemonade. It's pure goodness and a taste of summer anytime.
4. Wake Forest
Arnold Palmer remembered his time as a Demon Deacon with fondness, cherishing the knowledge it brought him. He is honored with a statue in his likeness on their campus. Soon after becoming a pro, Palmer started giving back to his alma mater and the future generations of golfers by creating golf scholarships at the University.
5. His American spirit
Due to his college roommate's death in a car accident, Palmer joined the Coast Guard during a confusing time. He credits this time serving his country to providing him with knowledge and maturity and remained a proponent of those in service. During his time in the Coast Guard, he continued using his time off to play in tournaments.
6. Being a licensed pilot
Palmer had the chance to see the world playing golf and he flew himself while doing it.
9. Leaving a legacy
"I'm not much for sitting around and thinking about the past or talking about the past. What does that accomplish? If I can give young people something to think about, like the future, that's a better use of my time."
Arnold Palmer's accomplishments in the game are numerous. However, he made the game bigger than himself, preserving it for future generations. Palmer knew there was more to the game than just a lifetime of wins and that is why his legacy will be remembered as the game of golf endures.
