On this day in 2016, Arnold Palmer passed away at 87 following heart complications. Inarguably, golf’s first superstar, Palmer, attracted thousands to the sport with his swashbuckling golf and flamboyant personality. On his death anniversary, here is a look back at three defining moments from his career:
1960 U.S. Open: In what still is probably the greatest comeback in the U.S. Open history, Palmer erased a seven-shot deficit to win over Jack Nicklaus by two strokes. He was partially fueled by legendary Pittsburgh Press writer Bob Drum, who said Palmer didn’t have a chance to win the U.S. Open. In Drum’s defense, Palmer was tied for 15th entering the final round. Check out his 346-yard drive. 1961 Open Championship: Palmer took the lead after the 3rd round, 69 on Saturday. The final round, played on the same day afternoon, is memorable for his incredible 6-iron on the 15th, which landed on the green. Here is the plaque that R&A created in his honor at Royal Birkdale. And despite calling a penalty on himself for moving his ball in the bunker, Palmer won by one stroke. 1981 U.S. Senior Open: The 1981 U.S. Senior Open victory is significant for a key reason. Locked in a three-way playoff with club professional Bob Stone and Billy Casper (who defeated him at the 1966 U.S. Open), Palmer fired a 70 despite being three shots behind Stone at the turn. At 51, King went on to become the first golfer to win the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open.
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