They were golf’s band of brothers. “The Golden Bear,” “The King” and “The Black Knight” shared 34 major wins between them and irrevocably changed the sport they played.

“It’s very important to golf to keep what we’ve done, to keep the Arnold Palmer Invitational relevant,’’ Saunders said. “His was such a good example.

Gary Player said Arnold Palmer was his friend for more than 60 years. ... Arnold Palmer simply transcended the game of golf. He was inspirational to so many and lived his life to the fullest.