Thinking of golf today, one can think of a global sport that was a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For every sport to reach that point, legends have to lay a foundation, revolutionizing the game as they continue to grow with the sport. In golf, one cannot move on without complimenting the incredible big three – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. Their contribution is invaluable, especially as their game helped draw in television views and a crowd for Tour events.
On September 10, 2021, Palmer – who passed away in 2016 – would have celebrated his 92nd birthday. While the charming athlete is no longer with us, his closest friends – Nicklaus and Player – ensured to celebrate his birthday with the warmest of wishes. Both legends took to social media to remember the seven-time major winner, collecting equally loving messages and wishes in their comments.
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Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player wish Arnold Palmer a very happy birthday
Wishing a happy birthday to my dear friend Arnie. Golf aside, I would always say that Jack, Arnie and I were a big three in friendship. We spent so much time together we were practically brothers, and I miss my brother dearly. pic.twitter.com/IJUEw18iIy
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) September 10, 2021
Player was the first to post, completing his wish with a long message and photos of the three icons together on a golf course. “Wishing a happy birthday to my dear friend Arnie,” he wrote, choosing to then speak of their friendship. “Golf aside, I would always say that Jack, Arnie and I were a big three in friendship”.
Also the big three off the course, the trio was always together, practically brothers. “I miss my brother dearly”.
His birthday wish would be incomplete without talking about ‘Arnie’s’ charisma, which was carried into every single aspect of his life. “That is why the people loved him. I can’t wait for our next round together, my friend”.
Miss you, AP! Happy Birthday, my friend! pic.twitter.com/aXXLEfqs9w
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) September 10, 2021
Nickalus’s tweet was a shorter one, the 81-year-old sharing a few photos with Palmer. “Miss you, AP! Happy Birthday, my friend!”. The images Nicklaus shared give us a glimpse of the two icons through the years, growing old together.
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Palmer had passed away sometime after his 87th birthday and was admitted for heart surgery in Pennsylvania. His contributions to golf are invaluable, earning him the loving title of ‘The King’. His fans were labeled ‘Arnie’s Army’, supporting him because of his unmatched talent and kindness.
Palmer’s last Major win was in 1964 when he was 34 years old. Winning by six strokes, Palmer became the first player to win four Masters titles. Palmer was also famous for his Ryder Cup victories, his record of 23 points (22 wins, two ties) stood till Nick Faldo broke it in 1997 by winning 25 points.
Years after his death, Palmer’s birthday and his legacy are still celebrated by fans and friends, unable to forget the charming legend.
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