The golfing world is in mourning with one of the greatestplayers of all time, Arnold Palmer, passing away aged 87.

A true superstar, Palmer won 62 career titles on the PGATOUR, including seven Major Championships.

More than just a phenomenal player, Palmer was renowned as aman of the people, drawing huge crowds and spending countless amounts of time signingautographs for fans.

Palmer was also a great traveller, making numerous trips toAustralia and in the process winning three times on the PGA Tour of Australasiaincluding the 1963 Wills Masters, 1966 Australian Open and 1972 SouthAustralian PGA Championship.

Like everywhere he played, Palmer left a special mark on thehearts of Australian golf fans including one of our own legends, Peter Thomson.

Upon learning the sad news of Arnold’s passing, Thomson reflectedon his memories of his competitor and friend…

"Arnold was the folkhero of golf

Not only was he thegreatest personality the game has produced, he was King of the fairways everytime he played.

We were only two weeksapart in age and great rivals.  We certainly had some wonderful timestogether.

The last time weplayed was an exhibition at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney on November 24,2004.  The occasion was the centenary of the Australian Open and BruceDevlin joined us for the nine-hole match on the eve of the tournament.

At last year’s OpenChampionship at St Andrews, we were rival captains in the four-hole PastChampions event and, although our team scores were the same, Arnold’s team wonthe charity donation by being the older team of the two.

St Andrews was afitting final place for us both to meet.

Mary and I areterribly saddened by the news of his death, and our thoughts are very much withKit, and his daughters and their families.

Bless you always,Arnold."