Arnold Palmer earned the nickname ‘The King’ for good reason, thanks to his influence both on and off the golf course.
Throughout his career, Palmer played a significant role in shaping the game, helping both amateurs and professionals along the way.
His list of achievements includes seven major championships, highlighted by four victories at The Masters.
Only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have more green jackets, with six and five wins respectively.
What Tiger Woods said about Arnold Palmer before the 2004 Masters
Speaking ahead of the event in 2004, Woods was asked to share his thoughts on Palmer and what comes to mind when thinking of The King.
He said: “Just a legend, a living legend. If it wasn’t for Arnold, golf wouldn’t be as popular as it is now. You know, he’s the one who basically brought it to the forefront on TV.
“If it wasn’t for him and his excitement, his flair, the way he played, golf probably would
Why Tiger Woods believes Arnold Palmer stood out in golf
At the time, Woods was also asked to reflect on his own influence on the sport, as well as that of Jack Nicklaus.
The question put to him was: “We see all of the time athletes who maybe have the ability to approach the levels that yourself and Arnold and Jack have but still personality reasons, do you think there’s something about yourself or them that’s maybe almost predestined for superstardom, the ability to embrace that kind of limelight and spotlight?”
“Whether that’s in a major championship, waving at people, saying hello and looking at everybody and making them feel welcome, feel like they are part of his little world that he’s in right now that he’s playing in.
“I think that that’s been his gift to the game of golf is that he’s made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. I think everyone who has ever met Arnold can say that.”
Like so many others, Woods was clearly influenced by Palmer. Both men became icons of the sport during their respective eras.
The 2004 tournament marked Woods’ 10th appearance at Augusta National. Remarkably, he had already claimed three Green Jackets by then.
