Two of the greatest golfers to grace the game, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer resembled two pillars of the game’s rich history. Playing in the same era for a brief period, the pair were often described as rivals on the tour in the backdrop of their competitive spirit. Yet, the legends were closely knit for all things aside from golf. They shared a close friendship that extended to their spouses and children. Henceforth, Palmer’s demise in 2016 saddened Nicklaus to the core, with the latter bemoaning the deceased in a lengthy post.

Jack Nicklaus pens a heartfelt note on Arnold Palmer’s demise

The golf world was left in tears as news broke about the passing away of Arnold Palmer on 25th September 2016. He was 87. One of his close competitors during their playing days, golf legend Jack Nicklaus was left heartbroken. He chose to convey his feelings to the world through a Facebook post, which showcased a collage of their pictures together over the years.

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In the caption to the post, Nicklaus weighed up the enormous loss to the golf world. “What is important is that we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports. My friend—many people’s friend—just wore out,” he wrote.

Nicklaus talks through his last meeting with Palmer

Continuing on the obituary, Nicklaus described his last gathering with the passing legend. “I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday (Sept. 10), when he sounded great.”

The 18-time major championship revealed that Palmer was in Pittsburgh trying to get better at something, lauding his perseverance at the age. “That’s what Arnold has always tried to do. He has always been a fighter and he never gave up on anything. He didn’t give up even now. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and spirit did not,” Nicklaus wrote.

A visibly distraught Nicklaus couldn’t hold back his emotions while penning down his thoughts. “He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly,” he wrote, before signing off. “He was the king of our sport and always will be.”

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