Palmer, Arnold (1929-2016), an American golfer, became one of the greatest and most popular players in the history of the sport. Palmer was the first player to win the Masters Tournament four times—in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964. Palmer’s appealing personality and bold playing style helped to greatly increase the popularity of golf. Throughout his career, Palmer attracted a huge crowd of supporters called “Arnie’s Army” at tournaments. His charisma also was largely responsible for making golf a popular television sport. Palmer retired from competitive golf in 2004.
Arnold Daniel Palmer was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10, 1929. Palmer turned professional after winning the United States Amateur tournament in 1954. He won the U.S. Open in 1960 and the British Open in 1961 and 1962. Palmer joined the Senior PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) Tour in 1980. Palmer’s autobiography was published as A Golfer’s Life (1999). Palmer died on Sept. 25, 2016.
