Davis Love III believes the memory of Arnold Palmer can inspire Team USA to heroic Ryder Cup win
Golfing world has been mourning the loss of 'The King' as the Ryder Cup begins next Friday
DAVIS LOVE says his Ryder Cup team will be inspired by the memory of Arnold Palmer.
‘The King’ died yesterday following heart failure at the age of 87.
It left the golfing world mourning the man who helped make the game a global spectacle.
As the USA and Europe prepare to square up in the third biggest sporting extravaganza on the planet — only the Olympics and the football World Cup draw bigger TV audiences than the Ryder Cup — Love said his players were determined to give Palmer a fitting send-off.
The USA captain believes the outpouring of emotion will work in his team’s favour — just as the death of Seve Ballesteros from brain cancer four years ago provided the motivation for Europe’s Miracle at Medinah.
Love said: “Our country has lost a great sportsman and a great American.
“As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, our team will keep Mr Palmer’s family in our prayers and we will draw from his strength and determination to inspire us.
“When I think of Arnold Palmer, I think of his natural ability to relate to people, the close bond he had with his father, and how when I first came on Tour, he made young professionals like me feel welcome.
“He leaves an impact on the game and on sports in America that is unmatched.”
Palmer was hugely admired and respected throughout the game, and five-time Major champion Phil Mickelson — who is about to play his 11th successive Ryder Cup — added his own moving tribute.
Mickelson, 46, said: “I’ve respected a number of players who came before me but Arnold Palmer was my model, on and off the course.
“I’m saddened by his death but I’m a better player, and perhaps a better person, thanks to his example.”
RELATED ARTICLES
Tiger Woods, one of the American vice-captains this week as he continues his rehabilitation after three bouts of back surgery, added another heartfelt message.
Woods, 40, said: “Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and humility are part of your legend.
“It’s hard to imagine golf without you or anyone more important to the game than The King.”
Palmer was famous for having the common touch.
He loved to shake hands and mingle with the crowds at his own event — the Arnold Palmer Invitational — even when his health was failing. But he was also totally at ease rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty, like when he gave Barack Obama a putting lesson on the White House carpet.
The US president said: “Here’s to The King, who was as extraordinary on the links as he was generous to others. Thanks for the memories, Arnold.”
But it was not just the Americans who loved Palmer.
Rory McIlroy was visibly distressed after learning of Palmer’s death just minutes after he had won the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup title.
The Northern Irishman, 27, said: “If it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer we wouldn’t be playing for the obscene amounts of money we play for every week. What he has been able to do for the game, the players, I think everyone realises that.
“That is why you see so many guys go to play his event every year. They want to pay their respects to the man that paved the way for us.
“I feel grateful I was able to spend time with him over the years.
“The last time we met I told him my fiancee, Erica, had the same birthday as him — September 10 – and he said ‘Great, we must have a party together’.
“If only we could.”