Arnold Palmer died at the age of 87 yesterday, a day before he was "scheduled to have heart surgery." The World Golf HOFer "has been in failing health since the fall of 2015 and made his last real public appearance on the first tee" of the '16 Masters, joining Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 9/26). While he was "not golf's most accomplished star" in terms of major victories, he "earned, and never relinquished, the sobriquet 'King.'" His "impact on golf was unequivocal and transcendent," and he "revolutionized sports marketing" (L.A. TIMES, 9/26). The marks Palmer left on the game "go beyond his playing record" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 9/26).
NBC's Mike Tirico offered a tribute to Palmer at halftime of last night's Bears-Cowboys "SNF" telecast. Golf Channel has been going live with tributes to Palmer and other coverage since news was confirmed of his passing. Today's editions of "Golf Central" and "Morning Drive" are Palmer-focused, and Golf Channel Films' "Arnie" will air from 8:00pm-midnight ET (THE DAILY).
YAHOO SPORTS goes with the header, "On The Green, On The TV, In The Air, Arnold Palmer Had No Equal." WASHINGTON POST: "The Political Wisdom Of Arnold Palmer, A Celebrity Who Knew Not To Run For Office."
