Golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods led the tributes to Arnold Palmer after his death at the age of 87.
'The King', as he was affectionately known, played a major part in developing the game into the multi-million pound worldwide sport it is now.
As a player he won seven majors and had a friendly rivalry with Nicklaus, who outscored him by 11 on the major front, as the pair elevated golf to a global audience.
Nicklaus, unsurprisingly, issued a heartfelt tribute to his close friend after his death, which came amid reported complications from heart problems.
"I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend - and that golf lost a great friend," he wrote on Twitter.
"We just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports.
"Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend.
"Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself.
"He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.
"We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way.
"Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.
"He was the king of our sport and always will be."
Woods, himself a 14-time major winner and former world number one, often sought out the company of Palmer to discuss his own game and the sport in general.
Palmer was never shy of offering his opinion on Woods' recent woes, with injury and a loss of form seeing him slump to 754th in the world having not played for over a year.
While Woods is generally reluctant to take advice from anyone, Palmer's words of wisdom were appreciated.
"Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs," Woods wrote on social media.
"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."
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy was another major winner whom Palmer took time out to offer career advice.
The four-time major winner, speaking after winning the PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship before joining up with Europe's Ryder Cup team for this week's encounter at Hazeltine in Minneapolis, paid his own tribute.
"Arnold Palmer meant a lot to me but also to everyone who plays this game," he told ESPN.
"He did so much for the game of golf at a time when golf needed him in the 1960s and 70s and brought golf to the masses.
"He leaves a legacy which no-one in any other sport can leave, the biggest legacy of any sport star over the last century.
"I was lucky enough to spend some time with him and those are memories I will have for the rest of my life."
America's Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III pledged to honour Palmer's legacy during this week's event in Minneapolis.
"Tonight our country lost a great sportsman, a great American," he said.
"As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, our team will keep Mr Palmer's family in our prayers and will draw from his strength and determination to inspire us."
Tributes were not limited just to the sport, with United States presidential candidate Donald Trump - himself a keen golf fan - joining in.
"Really sad news: The great Arnold Palmer, the "King," has died. There was no-one like him - a true champion! He will be truly missed. Donald Trump," he wrote on Twitter.
Source: PA
