Golf legend Arnold Palmer spent last night in hospital after suffering high blood pressure while watching Tiger Woods close in on his first PGA Tour win for 30 months yesterday.
The 82-year-old American was hosting his own Arnold Palmer Invitational Tournament at Bay Hill, Florida, and had been scheduled to present the trophy to the winner — who turned out to be Woods after the former world No1 resisted the final-round challenge of playing partner Graeme McDowell. Instead, Palmer was taken to hospital after apparently suffering a reaction to new medicine he was taking.
Alastair Johnston, Palmer’s long-time friend and business manager, revealed: “The blood pressure was at a level where the doctor involved suggested that he go immediately to get more intensive evaluation at the hospital.”
Northern Ireland’s McDowell said: “As I came walking up the 18th green I was keeping an eye out to see Mr Palmer to shake his hand. I was surprised he wasn’t around, and when we heard the news that he had been taken to the hospital of course we were very upset and certainly praying that everything is going to be okay.”
Woods later tweeted: “Get well soon, Arnie.” Also on Twitter, Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, posted: “For all concerned, my grandad is doing fine and will be good to go tomorrow. Thank you for all your nice comments and concern.”
