re: Arnold Palmer Dead at 87

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I played at UCLA and had just shot a great 68 at Oakmont in a college tourney the day before but followed up with an 81 and finished well back of the leaders. I was crushed. I had a chance to win at the start of the day. I was sitting in the locker room close to tears and staring at the floor changing my shoes. I heard a voice say "are you the one who shot 68 yesterday on THIS course". Oakmont was a tough tough golf course. I looked up and it was Arnold Palmer. I think my mouth was hanging open and said "yes thank you sir." He happened to be watching me the day before and I didnt even know it. He walked over to me and said "we all have bad days on the course. It is all about how you handle setbacks with class and character. You have nothing to hang your head about son." He gave me a pat on the shoulder and walked away and suddenly I felt better. He had no reason to do that. I was a nobody but he looked me in the eye when he talked and I could tell he meant what he was saying. I also saw him sign autographs for two hours after a long round at Pebble at the Bing Crosby tournament (Now the AT&T for you youngsters). Two hours AFTER walking Pebble and he was in his late 50's. He was so nice to everyone. Lastly at another AT&T I was near the driving range after the rounds were over and up drives a red Cadillac with you know who driving it. Back for more practice even well past his prime. I took my admission ticket off of my belt, walked up to him and asked him to sign it. I had to mention the day he was so kind to me ten years prior and to my shock he said "I remember that, you played at UCLA didnt you? I almost fell over. He actually remembered me and that time.

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