Calgary Arnold Palmer, Legendary Golfer, Dead At 87 | HuffPost Sports - Action.News ABC Action News WestNet-HD Weather Traffic

Arnold Palmer, who was considered one of the best golf players of all time, died Sunday in Pittsburgh, according to reports . He was 87.

We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87. pic.twitter.com/iQmGtseNN1

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We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87. pic.twitter.com/iQmGtseNN1
USGA (@USGA) September 26, 2016

Over his decades-long career, Palmer recorded 62 PGA tour victories and seven major titles including four wins at the Masters. He was the first professional golfer to make over $1 million by playing the game .

Palmer, who earned himself the nickname The King, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, and in 2012 was recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal for his work on and off the golf course.

Palmers prowess and athleticism made him golfs first true star, and he helped usher the sport into the mainstream .

Arnold transcended the game of golf, Palmers friend and former rival Jack Nicklaus said Sunday night in a statement . 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.

Palmer was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10, 1929. His father, a course groundskeeper , introduced him to golf at the age of 3. Palmer went on to earn a scholarship to play golf for Wake Forest University; he made the jump to play the game professionally in 1954, after serving in the Coast Guard.

He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon.
- Jack Nicklaus

With great talent and golden character, Palmer was quickly endeared to fans and competitors. Known for his powerful swing, he brought drama and style to golf, which helped the game win its place among televised sports.

Palmer on a golf course was Jack Dempsey with his man on the ropes, Henry Aaron with a three-and-two fastball, Rod Laver at set point, Joe Montana with a minute to play, A.J. Foyt with a lap to go and a car to catch, Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Murray wrote in 1991.

Companies also took a liking to Palmer, and he became one of the first professional golf players to capitalize on endorsements. He licensed his signature drink , iced tea mixed with lemonade, to Arizona Tea Co. in 2002. Its now bottled and sold as Arnold Palmer Tee.

Philanthropy replaced competition after Palmer retired in 2006. He created an endowment at Wake Forest and founded the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida, which he named for his first wife after she died.

Palmer is survived by his wife, Kathleen Gawthrop , whom he married in 2005, and two daughters .

Late Sunday, President Barack Obama posted a tribute to The King on Twitter:

Here's to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold. pic.twitter.com/UlyfpIBOL2

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Here's to The King who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold. pic.twitter.com/UlyfpIBOL2
President Obama (@POTUS) September 26, 2016

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