Arnold Palmer to miss U.S. Open because of health

Palmer, 86, has a long history with Oakmont. He lost a playoff here in 1962 to Jack Nicklaus, the first of Nicklaus' four U.S. Open championships. He played his 32nd and last Open here in 1994, an emotional two rounds in which he received ovations throughout the golf course.

"Arnold has had some serious mobility problems and has decided that it was going to be a bit too difficult for him to get down here this week," Doc Giffin, who has been Palmer's assistant for more than 50 years, said after being honored by the U.S. Golf Association.

"He's going to be watching and rooting and paying close attention to the tournament."

Palmer and Nicklaus this year have served as honorary co-chairmen of the U.S. Open, which will begin Thursday.