Open organisers pay tribute to Palmer

St. Andrews - Organisers of the British Open have paid tribute to Arnold Palmer for his "immeasurable" contribution to golf's oldest major.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the Royal & Ancient, says Palmer was "a true gentleman, one of the greatest ever to play the game and a truly iconic figure in sport."

Palmer died on Sunday in Pittsburgh at the age of 87.

Slumbers says "his contribution to The Open Championship was, and remains, immeasurable."

Palmer won seven majors, including two British Opens, in 1961 and '62. He last played the Open in 1995, 35 years after his first appearance.

Slumbers says Palmer "will be missed and forever remembered by all at The R&A and throughout the world of golf as a charismatic and global champion of our game."