The athlete brought golf to the masses, inspiring many to pick up the sport—and showing other stars how to work with organizations via endorsements.
For many, a recent Arnold Palmer reference in “The Simpson’s” 28th season premiere became an eerie tribute.
The golfing great known as “The King” died Sunday after struggling with heart problems. Palmer was 87 years old.
He won seven majors in his career—which included clinching the British Open in 1961 and 1962—and racked up 62 PGA Tour victories.
Really sad news: The great Arnold Palmer, the “King,” has died. There was no-one like him – a true champion! He will be truly missed.
Sad to hear today of the passing of Arnold Palmer. He lived his life to the fullest with a personality that impacted positively on so many.
Every other golfer was respected but Arnold Palmer was loved. He will be sadly missed.
Arnold Palmer was a model of integrity, passion, and commitment. A great American who struck his way into history and our hearts.
One needn’t be a fan of the link—nor of Palmer’s famed lemonade and iced tea concoction—to appreciate the late golfer’s legacy, however. He paved the way for other athletes to partner with organizations through endorsement deals.
Arnold Palmer was the first golf player to make $1m from playing the sport.
But he made much more than that from his many off-course endorsements, putting his name to a variety of products and services, from United Airlines to Cadillac cars.
With his winning persona and looks, not to mention golfing ability, Palmer showed that a sportsman or woman could make more from commercial deals than from prize money alone.
It is a legacy for which today’s high earning stars, earning astronomical sums from their own deals, should be eternally grateful.
When you talk about all the E-Score metrics pertaining to personality characteristics that corporations and fans resonant with, The King had all of them.
Likability. Trust. Hero. Champion. Attractiveness. Charisma. Longevity. Humility.
According to one report, Palmer amassed $675 million in his lifetime. And as recently as early 2014, a Forbes report estimated he earned $40 million annually in product endorsements.
At the age of 85!
Sponsorship contracts and endorsement opportunities can now come as much from YouTube and Twitch as they do from Olympic pools and golf tournaments, but Palmer’s ability to capture audiences’ attention and work with organizations is admirable whether you’re an athlete or a PR/marketing pro.