Jack Nicklaus issues statement about Arnold Palmer

Jack Nicklaus paid respect to Arnold Palmer with a statement sent out on Sunday upon learning of his friend and golf comrade’s death.

Palmer died at UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh because of heart complications at the age of 87. He and Nicklaus competed against each other — most notably during the ’60s — with Palmer winning seven career majors and Nicklaus taking 18.

In his statement about Palmer’s death, the Golden Bear called Palmer “a great friend” and a “fighter.”

Nicklaus closed his message by saying Palmer “was the king of our sport and always will be.”

Many other golfers have paid tribute to Palmer. You can see their tweets here.