Arnold Palmer, the winner of seven majors, has died at the age of 87.

On Sunday Palmer died of heart complications at UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh, near his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

A charismatic figure popularly known as 'The King', Palmer accumulated 62 career victories on the PGA Tour including seven major championships.

Fellow golfing great Jack Nicklaus, who with Palmer and Gary Player formed the fabled 'Big Three', said in a statement: "He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.

"Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself.

There were also tributes from U.S. Presidents present and past as well as anybody who is anybody in the world of golf.

His swashbuckling style made him a fan favorite, and charismatic persona off the field brought a new dimension to the world of golf.

At his death, Palmer ranked fifth on the PGA Tour's list of all-time tournament victories.