Palmer captured seven major tournaments during his illustrious career, taking The Masters four times (in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964), the British Open twice (in 1961 and 1962) and the US Open once (in 1960).
His go-for-broke style enthralled fans, and he became one of golf’s first television superstars, helping propel the game into the mainstream when his rise and that of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player set the stage for the huge broadcast rights fees and prize money riches later enhanced by the success of Tiger Woods.
No cause of death was immediately given.
Palmer looked frail when he joined fellow icons Player and Nicklaus for the ceremonial first tee shot at the Masters in April, when ill-health prevented him from swinging a club.
Share with us your memories of Palmer by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
Sport360 rounds-up the tributes on social media to the legend of the game:
I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend (continued) pic.twitter.com/skehUsQgww
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) September 26, 2016
Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
(2/2) It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than the King.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 26, 2016
Remembering the special times I spent with Mr Palmer at Bay Hill. A true pioneer for our sport. Forever remembered. pic.twitter.com/qJQBpDWTWv
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 26, 2016
So sad to hear Mr. Palmer has passed away. He touched us all and was an incredible role model. The KING.
— Jason Day (@JDayGolf) September 26, 2016
It's an honor to be a lockermate with you at ANGC. You inspired millions, changed the game, and will forever be missed. #arnie
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) September 26, 2016
A tribute to The King: Arnold Palmer's influence on golf. #ArniesArmy pic.twitter.com/5l9byOuClm
— USGA (@USGA) September 26, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Palmer. Rest in peace. #ArniesArmyhttps://t.co/XvpvUl6u71 pic.twitter.com/1WQTuZbet7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 26, 2016
I'll miss you friend #ripTheKING pic.twitter.com/KIoz0CH59F
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) September 26, 2016
Rest in Peace to the legend Arnold Palmer. May God bless his family and friends.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 26, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of #ArnoldPalmer a man who brought golf to the people and made us all part of Arnie's Army
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 26, 2016
Arnold Palmer receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. RIP. #ArnoldPalmer #ArniesArmy pic.twitter.com/beW86F7qRX
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 26, 2016
RIP #arnoldpalmer. You changed the game with your charisma and personality. Every player, me… https://t.co/RHuCgP6NCU
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) September 26, 2016
Our family is mourning the loss of #ArnoldPalmer... What an incredible legacy he leaves on the game and with @APHospital
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) September 26, 2016
Sad day in golf. RIP to the King. #arnoldpalmer
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) September 26, 2016
Like the rest of the #golf world, in stunned silence after hearing that #TheKing has passed. Mr. #ArnoldPalmer, thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/3rk0eWrmF7
— Pat Perez (@PatPerezGolf) September 26, 2016
The era when golfers enjoyed a smoke during a tournament. #ArnoldPalmer RIP pic.twitter.com/GfQvDBSfLR
— Jay Caruso (@JayCaruso) September 26, 2016
Go away already 2016.
Arnie
Jose Fernandez
Gene Wilder
Muhammad Ali
Gordie Howe
Prince
Bowie
Merle
Elie Wiesel
Pat Summitt
Phife
Buddy Ryan— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) September 26, 2016