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WOODLANDS, TX – MAY 04: Jack Nicklaus (L) and Arnold Palmer walk to the third green during the Greats of Golf exhibition at the Insperity Championship at the Woodlands Country Club on May 4, 2013 in Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
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WOODLANDS, TX – MAY 04: Jack Nicklaus (L) and Arnold Palmer walk to the third green during the Greats of Golf exhibition at the Insperity Championship at the Woodlands Country Club on May 4, 2013 in Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
The world has seen many talented golfers come and go. But only a few of them leave a unique mark on the sport that is remembered by millions of golf fans. And Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are two such golfing legends. The golf stars were known as the biggest professional rivals of each other. However, there was a time when Nicklaus made an emotional gesture toward Palmer.
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Jack Nicklaus’ touching words about Arnold Palmer
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have been two of the most successful golfers across the globe. The golf stars made tons of records during their respective careers. However, despite their huge competitive spirits, the two never lost respect for each other. And it was seen after Palmer’s unfortunate demise in 2016.
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A year after Arnold Palmer passed away, Jack Nicklaus stood with his old buddy Gary Player at the ceremonial tee-off at the 2017 Masters. Both of them had tears in their eyes as Nicklaus took off his cap and raised it toward the sky.
Talking about Palmer’s old connection with the Masters, Nicklaus said, “The Masters did make Arnold in many ways because of his wins in ’58, ’60, ’62, and ’64. But in another way, Arnold made the Masters. I think Arnold put the Masters on the map. They were very good for each other,”
Nicklaus mentioned how he had a relationship full of rivalry with Palmer during their professional career. “We wanted to beat each other’s brains out,” he said. But at the same time, the two were friends at the end of the day as soon as they were off the field. “The competition is a competition. It’s not how you lived your life and how you want to be mean and tough all day long,” he said. “I think we never did that and I’m thankful that we didn’t.”
Nicklaus also mentioned how the two were always onto each other for every little mistake they made. But according to him, the fun that they had together been the reason behind their successful friendship. Palmer left the world at an early age. Despite being scheduled for surgery in a few days, the golf legend couldn’t make it through his heart complications.
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Nicklaus was shocked at the loss of his old pal. He knew Palmer was admitted to the hospital to get better. It was not very long ago when the golf star got a pacemaker implanted. However, he was always a fighter, as per Nicklaus, and the 18-time major champion said he would miss him a lot.
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Edited by
Varunkumaar Chelladurai