Arnold Palmer is remembered not only as a great golfer but also as a great friend

Golf lost one of its greatest icons when Arnold Palmer died at age 87 on Sunday.

But as the tributes pour in from around the sport — and beyond — it’s clear that so many people think of “The King� as much more than just a golfing legend.

“He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly,� Jack Nicklaus wrote.

“Arnold transcended the game of golf. 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. Along the way, he had millions of adoring fans—Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.�

Tiger Woods tweeted: “Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend. It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.�

So many others have shared special thoughts and memories of Palmer with words and photos, often with his accomplishments on the golf course intertwined with his greatness as a human being.

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Twitter: @chewkiii