Arnold Palmer

Biography

Arnold Palmer made golf cool. Before Arnie, golf was country clubs and hushed tones. Palmer brought the people with him - "Arnie's Army" marched behind him at Augusta, cigarettes tucked in their shirt pockets, hollering encouragement. The violent swing wasn't textbook, but it worked: seven majors and 62 PGA Tour wins. His rivalry with Nicklaus defined the 1960s, Palmer the working-class hero to Nicklaus's polished champion. But his impact extended far beyond the course. He built a business empire, founded a TV network, became golf's first true celebrity. The Arnold Palmer - half iced tea, half lemonade - outlasted most of his tournament records. "The King" earned his title not through dominance but through connection.

Career Highlights

• 7 Major championships
• 62 PGA Tour wins
• 4 Masters titles
• Founding member of "Big Three"
• Built golf into mainstream sport

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