Darren Clarke: Arnold Palmer was a global superstar who transcended golf
Europe's Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke had paid tribute to the late Arnold Palmer as a 'global icon' who transcended the golfing world to bring joy to millions of people.
Tributes have poured in after the seven-time major winner died on Sunday, with the Golf Channel - of which Palmer was a co-founder - reporting that the 87-year-old passed away due to complications of heart problems.
Palmer's style and warm smile earned him a loyal following from those who counted themselves among 'Arnie's Army, and Clarke - who will oversee Europe's Ryder Cup challenge against the U.S. at Hazeltine in Minneapolis this weekend - says gold has lost a true legend.
"Like everybody in the golfing community, I'm saddened by the news," he said.
"Arnold was a global superstar, he transcended our sport and brought it to so many more people [who have] an interest in our sport because of Arnie - Arnie's Army' and 'The King', all that sort of stuff, so he'll be sadly missed.
"He was obviously American but he was a global player, he was held in high esteem by everybody over the world. He was a global icon for our sport. Yes the American guys will miss him, but so will we and the rest of the world."
A statement from the United States Golf Association read: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Arnold Palmer, golf's greatest ambassador, at age 87.
In Pictures: Arnold Palmer remembered
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"Arnold Palmer will always be a champion, in every sense of the word.
"He inspired generations to love golf by sharing his competitive spirit, displaying sportsmanship, caring for golfers and golf fans, and serving as a lifelong ambassador for the sport.
"Our stories of him not only fill the pages of golf's history books and the walls of the museum, but also our own personal golf memories. The game is indeed better because of him, and in so many ways, will never be the same."