LATROBE, PA./RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., July 27, 2010 – Officials of a joint venture that includes Palmer Hospitality, L.P, owned by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation's top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, and Keith H. McGraw, a Sewickley, Pa.-based Concord partner, today announced plans to build a 109-suite Springhill Suites by Marriott hotel in Latrobe, Pa. Located near the intersection of Route 30 and Route 981, the four-story hotel will be directly across from one of the area's largest employers, Kennarnetal Inc., and in close proximity to Latrobe Country Club, Palmer's home course.

"I've wanted to build a hotel for some time to complement the country club, working with the right kind of developer and operator," Palmer said. "I found both with Concord. We share the same philosophy and outlook in terms of guest care and attention to detail." Palmer's remarkable golfing career will inspire the hotel's design and will showcase a number of his awards and memorabilia. The hotel will be a LEED-certified prototype that was pioneered by Concord in conjunction with Marriott. Construction is expected to begin in December, with the hotel slated to open towards the end of 2011.

"The mid-priced, all-suite concept is ideal for this market," said Mark G. Laport, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. "Its spacious suites with separate areas for sleeping, working and relaxing are well-suited for golfers and other leisure guests, as well as for business travelers visiting the area. It also will have strong appeal for social functions held at the country club." Other area attractions include St. Vincent College, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, Fallingwater, Idlewild Park, historic Ligonier and the year-round activities in the Laurel Highland Mountains. The smoke-free hotel will feature complimentary daily breakfast buffet, in-suite microwave and mini-fridge, pull-out sofa bed, free high-speed Internet access, swimming pool and whirlpool/spa, fitness room and on-site business services.

About Palmer Hospitality, L.P.
Palmer Hospitality, L.P., is an entity created by Arnold Palmer, the golf professional whose legendary career includes 92 national and international championships, 62 of them on the regular PGA Tour during his prime playing years. These followed an impressive formative amateur career that pealced with his victory in the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship. Most prominent among the professional titles were four Masters, two British Opens and the memorable U.S. Open Championship at Cherry Hills in 1960. For nearly a half century, Palmer has been one ofthe best-Imown sportsmen and businessmen in the world. For more information, please visit www.amoldpalmer.com.

About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., manages over 70 hotels with more than 8,000 guest rooms in 15 states and two Canadian providences. The company operates under such well-known industry elite brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Choice Hotels, is an approved franchisee for Starwood, and also operates an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985, Concord was recently listed as one ofthe top management companies in the nation by independent sources, and recently won Marriott's elite Partnership Circle award for the sixth time. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 30 honors in the past two years alone, including Marriott's Hotel of the Year and Developer of the Year awards. For more information, visit www.concordhotels.com.

From now until the end of October, enter a bid at arnieskingdom.com and you could win a stay in Orlando and meet the man himself.

At the end of October, the winning bidder will be invited (with a partner) to the Kingdom Cup at Bay Hill Club & Lodge an invitation-only event, hosted by Arnold Palmer. All expenses will be paid (minus flights and incidentals) and his or her bid will serve as the reserve price at a live auction to take place at the tournament. Naturally the lucky recipients will be included in the bidding process!

Please email your bid to: ms@tmcusallc.com.

Once an ultimate winner is determined, Arnold Palmer will sign and present the portrait.

The award will make Palmer the first sports person in history to receive all 3 of the United States highest civilian honors including the National Sports Award from former President Bill Clinton in 1993 (a one-time award) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President George W. Bush in 2004.

"I don't know that I've done anything to deserve it, but I accept," Mr. Palmer said yesterday from his office at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla. "That's pretty fantastic."

The Congressional Gold Medal was first given to George Washington in 1776 and to 141 exemplary Americans since. "I didn't know George Washington," Palmer said with a grin. "But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, 'You're the first, and I won't be the last.'"

Palmer will become the fifth athlete to receive the honor from Congress, which is considered the highest expression of national appreciation for achievements and contributions. Byron Nelson is the only other golfer to receive the medal, which was given posthumously in 2006.

The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-California) and first passed the House of Representatives in April and was unanimously passed by the Senate on Palmer's 80th birthday on September 10th. U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., who lives in Orlando, sponsored the Senate bill nominating Mr. Palmer for the medal. Such bills must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the House and 67 in the Senate before even being considered in the respective chambers.

"Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers," said Rep. Baca. "Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant, he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others."

Arnold Palmer's charismatic personality, swashbuckling style of golf and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. Palmer and his late wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention and women's and children's health. He has founded the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, Florida where the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies are located, which celebrated it's 20th anniversary on its namesakes' birthday this year.

Adding to the historical significance, one year later to this day, Coast Guardsman vet Palmer received the prestigious Lone Sailor Award in Washington by the U.S. Navy Memorial to Sea Service veterans "who have excelled with distinction at their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment." Palmer told the crowd, "Those three words are what life is all about as far as I'm concerned."

"It's pretty good stuff," Palmer said. "Quite overwhelming."

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.

“Arnold Palmer served his country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has spent countless hours dedicated to improving the lives of others,” continued Rep. Baca. “He and his beloved wife Winnie did amazing work for numerous charities, including the March of Dimes, children’s hospitals, and prostate cancer research. Arnold is a humble man who loved his children and family, and never forgot where he came from. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for honoring a legend who has given so much, and I urge the President to quickly sign this recognition into law.”

Arnold Palmer’s magnetic personality and unfailing sense of kindness and thoughtfulness have endeared him to millions throughout the world. He has been the recipient of countless honors including virtually every national award in golf and both the Hickok Athlete of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year awards. He was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s in a national Associated Press poll. In addition, Arnold Palmer spoke before a joint session of Congress in March of 1990, in commemoration of the 100th birthday of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Through his charitable foundation, Arnold Palmer and his wife Winnie have supported numerous philanthropic causes, including the March of Dimes, nature conservation, cancer prevention, and women’s and children’s health. He has also founded both the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida.

“I have had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Arnold Palmer,” added Rep. Baca. “My son, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., was also in attendance. Walking those eighteen holes with Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only is he a golf legend, but he also is a genuine person with a great sense of humor.”

“I truly believe that Arnold Palmer is deserving of this honor, and it is fitting the Senate passed this legislation on the eve of his 80th birthday,” continued Rep. Baca. “But it’s not just about his success on the links. Arnold also has contributed significantly to American society and culture and is an outstanding role model, especially for young people.”

Congressman Baca currently serves as a Member of the House Professional Sports Caucus, and Chair of the Caucus’ Golf Committee.

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• 1966 -- Palmer, 37, becomes agitated by meddling tasks given to him by Winnie in order to distract him from Secret Service men surreptitiously prowling the Latrobe countryside. Unbeknownst to Palmer, they were there to assure the safety of one of the most powerful and popular men in the world who flew to Latrobe for a surprise birthday visit. And for the first time in his life, Palmer’s plane is flown without him or his knowledge -- pilot Darrell Brown flies it to Gettysburg to pick up President Dwight Eisenhower for a surprise visit. "I was oblivious to it all," Palmer says, “until I answered the door and found General Eisenhower standing there with an overnight bag. ‘Say, you wouldn’t have room to put up an old man for the night, would you?’ One of the nicest weekends of my life followed. It was the thrill of a lifetime."
• 1972 -- Tournament volunteers at Firestone Country Club arrange for a birthday cake and surprise party for Palmer, 43, as he served as a commentator for NBC Sports during the World Series of Golf.
• 1989 -- The 255-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando opens to great fanfare. The first baby is born within hours after the ribbon cutting. Within 15 years, more than 100,000 children will be born in the Palmer hospital. Long-time friend Bob Hope serves as emcee at one of Palmer's 60th birthday events.
• 1993 -- Parade Magazine publishes a Hoest & Reiner cartoon that shows a disgruntled man telling his wife, “The doctor wasn’t in . . . His office is closed for Arnold Palmer’s birthday.”
• 1995 -- Palmer concludes the last round of the GTE Northwest Classic at Inglewood C.C. in Inglewood, California, with a stellar 66. It is on his 66th birthday and is noted for being the first time he’s ever shot his age.
• 2005 -- Palmer celebrates his 76th at the wedding of his granddaughter, Katherine Ann (Katie) Saunders, 23, to James Parker Spears at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the Saunders family's summer home.
• 2007 -- On his 78th birthday, Palmer is on hand at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe for the unveiling of the Zenos Frudako's statue of him. An exact replica is unveiled across the Atlantic at the Tralee course in Ireland.
• Birthday luck? -- What might be most remarkable is that 66 percent of Palmer's aces - 8 of 14 - whose dates are verifiable occurred in September, with five of those being struck between September 3 through 7. Three days after his birthday Palmer carded his best score ever, a 60, at Latrobe Country Club on September 13, 1969.

As the legend turns 80, many articles have been published by the media celebrating the storied career and life of the all-american Arnold Palmer.

ArnoldPalmer.com

• August 14, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Announces Gift Registry Honoring its Namesakes’ 80th Birthday
• August 26, 2009 -- Palmer Celebrates 80th Birthday with Style
• August 31, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Caring
• September 10, 2009 -- SENATE PASSES BACA BILL TO HONOR ARNOLD PALMER
• September 10, 2009 -- HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ARNOLD PALMER

Golf Digest

September 2009 Issue

• Arnold at 80 by Editor Jerry Tarde -- Read full story
• Cover Story: Palmer In His Prime - As Arnold turns 80, it's time to savor the skill and charisma that changed golf
• Birthday Greetings for Arnie -- Read full story

USGA Museum

• The Arnold Palmer Memory Book -- This site is dedicated to the fans of Arnold Palmer. It is a place for all who have a story to tell about this remarkable man and athlete. We encourage you to share your personal memories - as words, images, or videos - with others who admire, honor, and cherish Arnold Palmer as he approaches his 80th birthday.

Kingdom Magazine

• Palmer Foreward - A year, and a lifetime, to remember
• Q&A - The King Reflects - The King sits down with Chris Rodell, reflects on a lifetime of achievements and looks forward to more
• 80 Most Significant Moments by Chris Rodell

USA Today

September 2, 2009

• Arnold Palmer: Remembering 80 Years - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
• 'The camera fell in love with Arnold Palmer' - By Michael Hiestand, USA Today
• Surprise! Eisenhower visit marked Palmer's 37th birthday - By Jerry Potter, USA Today
• With fame, everybody knows Palmer's name - From staff reports, USA Today
• Palmer, 'a character' and 'competitor,' still searching for perfect swing - By Steve DiMeglio, USA Today
• Photo gallery: Images of Palmer at home in PA

Wall Street Journal

• September 5, 2009 -- "Palmer's Go-for-It Greatness: The Legend Looks Back on a Daring, Uncompromising Style Few Attempt Anymore" by John Paul Newport.

Golf Channel

• September 8, 2009 -- Golf Channel paying special tribute to Arnold Palmer's 80th -- Visit the website | Timeline | Photo Gallery | Video | Stories and Birthday Wishes
• September 9, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer ushers in golf on television
• September 9, 2009 -- The King's Crowning Achievement
• September 9, 2009 -- Players recollect memories of meeting the King

PGA Tour

• Video -- Arnold Palmer on his first Masters victory -- Watch the video
• September 8, 2009 -- For his birthday, 80 things we love about Arnie
• September 9, 2009 -- The King turns 80: Images and impact of Arnold Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- The King's legacy: TOUR players on Arnold Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- The King turns 80: Our favorite memories of Palmer
• September 9, 2009 -- Palmer's influence felt in the golf world and beyond
• September 9, 2009 -- By the numbers: Palmer's six decades on the PGA TOUR
• September 9, 2009 -- Special note from Palmer cheers father battling cancer

Associated Press

• September 9, 2009 -- Arnold Palmer, The King, to celebrate his 80th

ESPN

• September 9, 2009 -- Palmer hits legendary landmark by Jason Sobel
• August 31, 2009 -- Video -- Arnold Palmer Chips into an Arnold Palmer
• August 26, 2009 -- Spending the day with Arnold Palmer by Jason Sobel
• Video -- Arnold Palmer On Turning 80

Fox Sports

• September 10, 2009 -- Catching up with The King at his castle

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

• September 9, 2009 -- Love of Palmer par for the course 'A treasure to the game of golf and a gift to mankind' by Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Desert Sun - Palm Springs

• September 10, 2009 -- Happy 80th, Arnold Palmer

The Los Angeles Times

• September 9, 2009 -- Golfer Arnold Palmer, 80, remains a game-changer

Reuters UK

• September 10, 2009 -- Golf-Tributes pour in for 'King' Palmer on his 80th birthday

The State - South Carolina

• September 10, 2009 -- Arnie's army celebrates 80

LIFE Magazine

• August 18, 2009 -- Top 10 Greatest Golfers of All Time

The milestone birthday will be ushered in with a week long celebration beginning in Orlando and then heading to his native state of Pennsylvania.

The next week Palmer will fly his Cessna Citation X to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA and on Tuesday, September 8th he will attend a dinner at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, home of the Pirates. Before dinner, Palmer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Pirates play against the Chicago Cubs. That night will be Arnold Palmer Bobblehead Night at PNC Park and will mark the first time Palmer has been honored with a bobblehead created in his likeness. The following day Palmer will participate in a golf outing and dinner in his honor at Laurel Valley Golf Club.

And to celebrate his actual birthday on September 10th? Palmer and some of his closest friends will tee it up at his home course, Latrobe Country Club.

Arnold Palmer will be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 10, 2009. To honor the occasion, the USGA Museum has launched an online Arnold Palmer Memory Book. The purpose of the Web site is to collect personal stories and memories of Arnold, and allow the public to view other fans’ appreciation of him. Fans can submit their reflections about Arnold in the form of words, images or video.

“Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to meet him, it seems that almost everyone in and around the game has their own Arnold Palmer story,” said USGA Director of Communications & Museum Rand Jerris. “Perhaps he was a childhood hero, maybe you once saw him play, or you just have a favorite story about him. The key is that we’re looking for personal stories – honest, from-the-heart sentiments that capture the essence of what Arnold Palmer has meant to the game.”

Later this year, the USGA Museum will edit and assemble the very best submissions into a bound volume, for presentation to Arnold as an 80th birthday present.

To participate in the Arnold Palmer Memory Book, log on to usgamuseum.com/arnoldpalmer .

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