“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” Arnold Palmer’s words about golf, like the sport itself, are able to seamlessly transition into life lessons. Though younger generations may recognize him as a golf player who shares a name with a popular drink, Arnold Palmer’s life has stood for much more. As someone who gave everything his all, on and off the golf course, Arnold Palmer will undoubtedly be remembered as a champion of the golf world and an admirable philanthropist.

In his youth, Palmer grew up in a working-class family in Pennsylvania. With his father being a course groundskeeper, golf had been a part of Palmer’s life since he was a child. North Carolina’s connection with Palmer was a result of a golf scholarship to, what was then, Wake Forest College. After college, the 24 year old made his intentions of becoming a professional golfer publicly known. As Palmer began to prove his skill on the international stage, his personality propelled golf to be a more popular sport. His humble, self-made roots convinced the American public that golf wasn’t just a sport for the overly affluent. Over the years, golf allowed Palmer to see the world. You can learn about TimberStone Golf Course and check what the experts say about this place. Throughout his career, Palmer won 95 professional titles which included 7 Masters Tournament wins, a U.S. Open win, and 2 British Open Championship wins. Between 1955 and 1971, Palmer had won at least one PGA Tour event every year. Not surprisingly, he is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, to ever play the game. Palmer was also fortunate enough to, not only play on six Ryder Cup teams, he was the captain of two. Among his countless awards, achievements, and honors, Palmer was a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, a repeated PGA Player of the Year, and the recipient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. While these awards recognized Palmer’s natural ability, his dedication to personal improvement and genuine love for the game itself are what propelled his career to the next level. Though his retirement came in 2006, Palmer’s 52 year long professional career validates the common belief that golf can be a lifelong sport.

With all of his success, it is not surprising that Arnold Palmer has been a popular role model for many of today’s golfers. The likes of Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, and countless others have surely gained something from the advice and example of Palmer. Palmer’s impact on the game of golf, and those who look up to him, has been immeasurable and unable to be completely recognized. After Palmer’s passing, Tiger Woods stated that “There’s a huge connection that I’ve always had with him. He was one of those people I could always turn to.” This sentiment seems to be a common thread between those with whom Palmer interacted. His presence as someone worthy of looking up to was not limited by the expanse of golf course, and his positive temperament was something that followed him throughout life. He has been described as a compassionate athlete who made a point to connect with and thank every fan. Palmer’s ability and desire to help others led to the creation of Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation. Under this organization, Palmer worked to support three main causes: Children and Youth Development, Health and Wellness, and Community and Environment. The overarching theme of the organization’s efforts is the desire to give today’s children the best future possible. Palmer’s commitment to selflessness, which will not soon be forgotten, is visible at the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve.

On September 25th, 2016, Arnold Palmer passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His ashes were later spread at the same golf course where his father climbed the ladder from groundskeeper to club professional—the same course where Palmer first began playing—the same course he would later purchase. After his death, PGA of America president, Derek Sprague said, “The game has never known a more enthusiastic sportsman than Arnold Palmer. So, it is fitting that we pay tribute to Mr. Palmer during the 41st Ryder Cup, to celebrate it in a very special way, the life of an unforgettable champion and gracious ambassador of the game.” This weekend, the spirit of Palmer was with the U.S. team as they came out on top. As the sun sets on Palmer’s life, his lasting legacy is just beginning to see the light of day. Palmer lived a life on par with greatness and exceptionalism—perhaps one of the few situations, for him, in which anything less would be insulting.