A look at Arnold Palmer’s illustrious career

Arnold Palmer

From his first major victory in 1958 to his death aged 87 Arnold Palmer was one of the most inspirational characters in the game. 

He captured the hearts of millions in a way that only Arnie could and while he will never be forgotten, here’s a look back at some of the most memorable moments from his career

Born on September 10, 1929, Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Despite going on to be one of the all time greats, Palmer took a three-year break from golf joining the U.S Coast Guard, after the death of his team mate Bud Worsham in a car crash.

Once he returned to golf there was now looking back and after winning the 1954 U.S. Amateur championship he soon turned pro

Less than 12 months later and Palmer enjoyed his first professional victory at the 1955 Canadian Open

Palmer’s rise to fame came when he grabbed the headlines after winning the 1958 Masters in Augusta, at the time he was the youngest ever Masters champion and topped the prize money rich list that season with $40,000

Over the next three years Palmer captured the hearts of the golfing world winning 29 titles and picking up more than $400,000 in prize money

His final major victory saw things end were they started for the King as he earned the title of 1964 Masters Champion. This made him the first golfer to win the Masters four times (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964).

Palmer finished his career with seven major titles with two Open Championship’s and a U.S. Open title as well as his Masters success

The King became the first golfer to earn over $1 million in prize money in 1968 securing an incredible 93 titles over his career

In 1974 he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame

Palmer’s iconic status continued long after his playing days and in the 1990s it was reported that he was making more than $20 million in endorsements annually

He played in his final Masters in 2004, making his 50th consecutive appearance.

Hit the final ceremonial tee shot at the Masters in 2015