Arnold Palmer Biography: Age, Wife, Height, Net Worth, Children, Parents, Career, Wiki, Brand, Death

Arnold Daniel Palmer also known as Arnold Palmer is a celebrated American professional golfer, entrepreneur, and sports icon known as “The King” for his charismatic playing style, record-breaking victories, and massive popularity that helped transform golf into a mainstream spectator sport.

Through his seven major championship wins, 62 PGA Tour victories, and groundbreaking business ventures including the Arnold Palmer Drink and a global licensing empire, he inspired millions—particularly from middle-class and working-class backgrounds—to pursue excellence, sportsmanship, and entrepreneurial success with humility, grit, and genuine warmth.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Arnold Daniel Palmer
• Stage Name: Arnold Palmer
• Born: September 10, 1929
• Died: September 25, 2016
• Age: 87 years old
• Birthplace: Latrobe, Pennsylvania, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Professional Golfer, Entrepreneur, Businessman
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Deacon Daniel “Pap” Palmer and Doris Palmer
• Siblings: Sandra Sarni, Jerry Palmer, Lois Jean Tilley
• Spouse: Winnie Walzer Palmer (married 1954–1999); Kathleen “Kitty” Gawthrop (married 2005)
• Children: Peggy Palmer Wears and Amy Palmer Saunders
• Relationship: Widower
• Net Worth: $875 million USD

Early Life and Education

Arnold Daniel Palmer was born on September 10, 1929, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Deacon Daniel “Pap” Palmer, a golf professional and greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club, and Doris Palmer, in a modest middle-class household where hard work and golf were central to daily life.

Growing up with his siblings — including his brother Jerry Palmer — he learned the game at an early age by caddying and playing on the family’s modest course while absorbing his father’s lessons on discipline and sportsmanship. He has three siblings in total.

Arnold attended Latrobe High School, where he excelled in sports, and later enrolled at Wake Forest University on a golf scholarship before briefly serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.

His ethnicity is American. His religion is Christianity, reflecting the strong faith, family values, and community spirit common in many Pennsylvania working-class households that emphasize perseverance, humility, and treating others with respect.

Career

Arnold Palmer began his professional path after turning pro in 1954 and quickly rose to dominance in the late 1950s and 1960s. Bootstrapped from humble Latrobe roots with raw talent and an aggressive, go-for-broke style, he won seven major championships — including four Masters titles — and 62 PGA Tour events, becoming golf’s first true television superstar and drawing massive “Arnie’s Army” galleries.

His rivalry with Jack Nicklaus elevated the sport’s popularity worldwide. Beyond the course, he built a vast business empire through Arnold Palmer Enterprises, including golf course design, the iconic Arnold Palmer Drink (half iced tea, half lemonade), clothing lines, and endorsements that made him one of the most marketable athletes in history.

He remained active in golf until late in life, founding the Arnold Palmer Invitational and mentoring younger players. His independent, charismatic approach continues to inspire aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs from middle-class backgrounds to combine passion, hard work, and personal warmth to achieve legendary success.

Social Media

Arnold Palmer does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Arnold Palmer, who passed away on September 25, 2016, at age 87 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from complications of heart problems, lived a grounded and family-centered life. His height was 5 ft 10 in (178 cm).

He was first married to Winnie Walzer Palmer from 1954 until her death from cancer in 1999; the couple had two daughters, Peggy Palmer Wears and Amy Palmer Saunders, and shared a deep partnership that included traveling the world together.

In 2005, he married Kathleen “Kitty” Gawthrop, and they remained together until his passing. Arnold was a devoted father and grandfather, often sharing stories of his Latrobe upbringing and the lessons learned from his father “Pap.”

He prioritized faith, loyalty, and giving back through the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and other charitable causes while maintaining a humble lifestyle despite his enormous success.

Net Worth

Arnold Palmer’s net worth was estimated at $875 million USD at the time of his passing. His income primarily came from his legendary golf career, massive endorsement deals, the Arnold Palmer Drink (which continues to generate substantial revenue), golf course design and management, clothing and equipment licensing, and his vast business holdings through Arnold Palmer Enterprises.