Palmer reveals he has cancer

Golf

Arnold Palmer, who won seven major championships and lifted golf's popularity to unprecedented heights four decades ago, has cancer and will not play competitively while undergoing treatment.

He flew his private plane to Minnesota yesterday and will enter the Mayo Clinic for tests to determine a course of treatment for prostate cancer.

Palmer, 67, found out on Friday that a biopsy indicated he had cancer. He left the La Costa Resort and Spa where he was attending the PGA Tour awards dinner at the Mercedes Championship and returned to his Florida home on Saturday. Prostate cancer is a slow-developing cancer that can be successfully treated if detected early.

Palmer, one of the most recognisable athletes in professional sport over the last four decades, won four Masters titles, two Opens and one US Open. He ranks fourth on the all-time USPGA Tour victory list with 60 titles and has won 10 senior tournaments.