Seven-time golf major winner Arnold Palmer has died.
Nicknamed "The King", the 87-year-old was known as one of "The Big Three" - along with South African great Gary Player and fellow American Jack Nicklaus - in the 1960s.
Legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer in April, 2016 Photo: AFP
Palmer won more than 70 tournaments throughout a career that spanned more than 50 years.
Watch a video of Arnold Palmer playing Bob Charles in New Zealand in 1966
He won the coveted Masters four times between 1958 and 1964, the US Open in 1960 and the British Open in 1961 and 1962.
He led the PGA Tour money list four times, and was the first player to win more than $100,000 in a season.
Palmer was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Several modern golfing greats, including Lydia Ko, have already paid tribute to Palmer on Twitter:
Very sad to hear the passing of Mr. Palmer... Rest In Peace to the forever role model, legend and The King! He will be missed #RIPTheKing
— Lydia Ko (@LydiaKo) September 26, 2016
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
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
Jack Nicklaus said he was shocked at his friend's death, and had last spoken to him on his birthday on 10 September.
"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."
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player at the 2016 US Masters Photo: Photosport
