RIP Arnie

Arnold Palmer passed away today at the age of 87.

He's still more likely to win another major than Tiger Woods.

Have to hear about one of my "neighbors" dying through GRM? and to think I had to drive to Pittsburgh this morning to meet some autocrossers that live in my town.

I think captdownshift is right though, after seeing him putt around at the Open at Oakmont before the official start, he probably still could.

I wonder if the medicine he's been hawking will now pull the ads?

The Simpsons tonight had a scene about the "Arnold Palmer". Weird coincidence timing.

I love his drink.

He was also a darn good pilot.

RIP, one of the best ambassadors of golf.

After seeing this thread, I did some follow up. He most he ever made winning a tournament was $50,000, yet he was worth a whole lot of money.

In reply to spitfirebill: They key to some of the older golfers money was designing golf courses.

He was to golf what Richard Petty has been to NASCAR. Always smiling, always willing to sign another autograph, or take a picture, and always kind and welcoming.

My folks were lucky enough to meet him a few years ago in Palm Beach. They said he was extremely nice and friendly. He also had a bunch of women following him around wherever he went. I guess he was quite the charmer.

He wasn't the best golfer to ever play----but he was the sport's most influential player. He brought the game to the masses, and was the first guy to have rabid "fans". As Trigun7469 said---- he was golf's best ambassador.

RIP

I'm not an autograph seeker, but I remember hearing an interview with him where he was asked about autographs. He basically said that if someone cares enough to stand in line to ask for your autograph, you sign it and make sure that it's clear and legible.

He was also one of the highest paid retired athletes, thanks to the iced tea deal.

Check your oil in Arnie's memory.

I always liked and respected Arnie. This really is a big loss for the game.

Woody wrote: Check your oil in Arnie's memory.

Ah, the good old days, when motor oil came in cans.

Ah, the good ol' days, when commercials didn't yell at you. My mom had such a crush on Arnold back in the day. She's gonna be bummed.

Woody wrote: I'm not an autograph seeker, but I remember hearing an interview with him where he was asked about autographs. He basically said that if someone cares enough to stand in line to ask for your autograph, you sign it and make sure that it's clear and legible.

He often joked that his autograph was worthless because he had signed so many things.

spitfirebill wrote: After seeing this thread, I did some follow up. He most he ever made winning a tournament was $50,000, yet he was worth a whole lot of money.

That isn't telling the whole story though. In 1970 as a 40 year old he won $129k, playing in 23 tournaments and winning only once. In today's dollars, that is $800,000. Not too bad.

But yeah, the endorsement deals were what made him a fortune. Designing golf courses didn't hurt either.