Golf 'King' Arnold Palmer dies at 87: Twitter reaction

United States President Barack Obama led the tributes on Twitter for golfer Arnold Palmer, who breathed his last on Sunday.

United States golfer Arnold Palmer passed away at the age of 87 in Pittsburgh on 25 September. He was being treated at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for heart ailments.

Known as "the King" of golf, Palmer won a lot of fans with his charisma, skill and down-to-earth attitude. His ardent fans, who were called as the "Arnie's Army", followed the American passionately wherever he went.

Born to a greenskeeper in 1929, Palmer took to the sport at the age of four. He decided to try his luck in professional golf in 1954 after winning the United States Golf Association Amatuer Championship. He went on to win seven major championships, including four Masters titles.

Backed by the Arnie's Army, Palmer became the first most followed figure in the television age. Such was the craze that a drink made of lemonade and iced tea was named after him.

Palmer also became the first golfer to have a career earning of $1m when he reached the figure in 1967. He was also known for his involvement in charity and was an avid pilot and a golf course designer.

Tributes poured in for the Presidential Medal of Freedom-winner on Sunday. IBTimes Singapore has compiled a few reactions after the golfing great breathed his last.

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