One of golf’s greatest ever players, Arnold Palmer, has died. He was 87.

Palmer died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was undergoing heart tests.

News broke 1.30 am Irish time last night, just an hour after Rory McIlroy’s Fed Ex Cup victory.

During his career, Palmer won more than 90 tournaments, including seven majors. Palmer is perhaps the single most important figure in popularising golf. An iconic star and the first ‘brand-name’ golf professional, the ‘King’s’ rise coincided with the rise of television. As footage of golf was transported to new audiences, Palmer’s bold, ‘happy-go-lucky’ style drew in diehard fans called ‘Arnie’s Army’.

As a part of the Big 3 with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Palmer travelled and promoted golf across the world. Palmer also hosted the premier PGA Tour event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where proceeds went to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for women and children in Orlando.

As well as being a successful golfer, Palmer was also known well by his off-course activities. He designed many well renowned golf courses, including this year’s Irish Open venue, the K Club. His business ventures allowed him to multi millions each year up until his death. Most famously, the ‘Arnold Palmer’, a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade was named after him. A true legend of the game, ‘Arnie’ will be sorely missed.