To Gary Player, Arnold Palmer was so much more than a golf legend. He was a lifelong friend.
Player paid tribute to Palmer, who died Sunday at 87, in an emotional statement Monday morning:
Player, 80, won nine majors during his career, which intertwined with Palmer's and Jack Nicklaus'.
The original Big 3 have traditionally kicked off the Masters with ceremonial tee shots, though Palmer watched this year due to health issues.