I have had the great honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Palmer since 1981. While there have been many great memories of playing rounds of golf together and the stories over the years, there is one memory that will stay with me forever.

I was fortunate to be paired with Mr. Palmer at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont, which also was his last US Open. The weather was excessively hot, course played long and difficult just like any US Open would, the crowds were unbelievably huge and loud, especially when Mr. Palmer was in their sights.

Friday afternoon we were walking up the 18th fairway toward the green. I was about 50 yards or so behind him just taking it all in, huge galleries as far as you could see, applause as loud as it could possibly be, just to acknowledge and admire the man they all loved and cheered for so long. It didn't matter what he shot it mattered to them that he was there and they appreciated it.

When I putted out on 18 I went to him, shook his hand and said, "You made all this possible for golf, this is all because of you." At that we both were overcome with emotion. That whole day was incredible, my favorite one with my friend Mr. Arnold Palmer.

My sincerest wishes to you for a Happy Birthday!

Rocco A Mediate