The 1999 U-S Senior open Tournament Chairman Bob Murray says it isdisappointing for the overflow gallery on hand this week that Jack Nicholas has pulled out.Arnold Palmer plans on playing this week. Palmer battled a pulled muscle in his rib cage and had to drop out of a charity event last week. On his wayto the practice tee this morning, Palmer talked about the absence of hislong-time rival Nicklaus. Palmer says the big crowds this week will make it more meaningful for allthe competitors.Many of the fans say they are disappointed by the absence of Nicklaus and some even held out hope he may yet show up.Vicente Fernandez of Argentina will be looking to take onemore step and win the Senior Open this year. Last year in Las Vegas,Vicente finished with a final round 68, but that was one stroke shy ofchampion Hale Irwin in a dramatic finish.Last month, Lee Trevino announced he would not be at the 1999 Senior Open.