Tributes have poured in to Arnold Palmer after the seven-time major winner, and one of the most beloved figures in the game, died on Sunday.
Palmer, whose powerful swing, attacking approach and ready smile attracted millions of loyal fans known as 'Arnie's Army' during his illustrious career, had celebrated his 87th birthday earlier this month.
Alastair Johnson, the chief executive officer of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, said Palmer died in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon due to complications of heart problems.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Des Smyth spoke about Palmer's "vibrancy in bringing golf to the masses".
He continued: "He was one of the greats, probably among the top five players who ever played the game.
"He was a very warm man. I had the great pleasure of playing an exhibition match with him at Co Louth GC. Once you were in his area, people crowded around him. He really enjoyed people. Some big stars don't like to be crowded, but he was the complete opposite.
"He wanted to be in the middle of all the laughs and the bit of fun that was going on."
Smyth also saluted Palmer's charitable work when saying: "Palmer was one of the first guys who started foundations. He built a hospital in Orlando called the 'Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children'.
"He ploughed a lot of his money into sporting activities for young people and he started a trend for professional golfers across the world where they are involved in such foundations and charities.
"We are all so fortunate to have made good money out of this game and it's important to give back."
In the week of where Europe and America's top golfers gather for the Ryder Cup, Smyth singled out Palmer's role in popularising the sport across the two continents.
"Ryder Cup players will warmly and happily pay tribute this week," he predicted.
"He was the guy who put the Open Championship on the map. He kept coming back in difficult travelling periods and winning the Open. A few years he waved goodbye to the event on the bridge at St Andrew's.
"He was a great man on both sides of the Atlantic and has been wonderful for the game of golf."
Remembering the special times I spent with Mr Palmer at Bay Hill. A true pioneer for our sport. Forever remembered. pic.twitter.com/qJQBpDWTWv
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 26, 2016
A four-time Masters champion, Palmer had been unable to perform his customary role as honorary starter in April alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player - the other members of golf's 'Big Three' - due to a shoulder injury and looked frail as he was helped to a seat on the first tee.
Palmer is survived by his second wife, Kit, daughters Amy Saunders and Peggy Wears and six grandchildren, including Sam Saunders, who plays on the PGA Tour.
"He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly. He was the king of our sport and always will be" - Jack Niclaus
Born Arnold Daniel Palmer on September 10, 1929 - just weeks before the Wall Street Crash - the man who would become 'the King' was hardly raised in regal conditions in the blue-collar town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the eldest of four children.
But crucially his father Deacon, known as Deke, became the greenkeeper at Latrobe Country Club in 1921 and the club professional in 1933, giving his son the ideal start to a career which ultimately produced more than 90 career titles, including seven major championships.
Palmer won the Masters in each even-numbered year from 1958 to 1964, two Open Championships and the US Open in 1960, but never completed the career grand slam by winning the US PGA Championship - something he considered his greatest regret.
Perhaps his greatest achievement was reviving the fortunes of the Open, which had often been shunned by the leading American professionals due to the low prize money and cost and time involved in travelling across the Atlantic.
Nicklaus, who enjoyed a long, friendly rivalry with Palmer, said: "I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday, when he sounded great.
"He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly. He was the king of our sport and always will be."
Player had dedicated his tee shot at Augusta to Palmer and said at the time: "Arnold oozed with charisma.
"He had a short career in majors compared to Jack and I, but even though it was shorter, boy, he was so charismatic and a great icon and did so much for the game."
Off the course, Palmer started many successful businesses, including a club company and a golf course design firm. Since 1979, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando - which he bought in 1974 - has been a fixture on the PGA Tour, with Tiger Woods winning the title eight times.
Very sad news to hear of the passing of the great Arnold Palmer. We will miss you very much. The King and Legend. RIP
— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) September 26, 2016
"It is not an exaggeration to say there would be no modern day PGA Tour without Arnold Palmer," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said.
"There would be no PGA Tour Champions without Arnold Palmer. There would be no Golf Channel without Arnold Palmer (who was a co-founder). No-one has had a greater impact on those who play our great sport or who are touched by it."
Palmer's legacy will be immediate as well as long-lasting, with US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love saying his side will "draw from his strength and determination to inspire us" when they face Europe at Hazeltine over the coming week.
