Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Arnold Palmer compares golf grips with President George W. Bush(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legendary American golfer Arnold Palmer has passed away at the age of 87.

Mr. Palmer was one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the sport.  He would win 62 titles during his PGA career, including four Masters (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964), two British Opens (1961, 1962), and one U.S. Open (1960).  He would also finish in second place in the PGA Championship on three occasions (1964, 1968, 1970.)

Mr. Palmer would be elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and was the PGA Player of the Year in 1960 and 1962.

He would also see success on the Senior Tour, winning the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1980, the U.S. Senior Open in 1981,  the General Foods PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1984, and back to back Senior Players’ Championships in 1984 and 1985.

MR. Palmer would also win seven Ryder Cups (1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975), and six World Cups (1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967.)

Mr. Palmer was also a licensed pilot.  He would log nearly 20,000 hours as a pilot over 55 years.  He was also a Freemason.

Mr. Palmer would receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, and a Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.

Mr. Palmer was married twice, first to Winnie Palmer for 45 years, and then to Kathleen Gawthrop, who survives him.