Golf legend Arnold Palmer took many of his business endeavors into the automotive industry, endorsing his beloved Cadillac and longtime partner Hertz Corp. as well as owning six General Motors and Ford Motor Co. dealerships in five states.
Palmer, who died of complications from heart problems Sunday at age 87, was first and foremost the golf champion who brought the sport to the masses. But the name “Arnold Palmer” eventually would become as much of a brand as a symbol of a sport’s transformation.
The handsome and charismatic golfer took advantage of his position and started Arnold Palmer Enterprises Inc. in 1961.