Nicklaus beats Palmer to win 1st U.S. Open
In the late spring of 1962, 22-year-old Jack Nicklaus clearly was destined for greatness, but Arnold Palmer unequivocally ruled the game of golf.
The balance of power would begin to shift with Nicklaus’ stunning playoff victory at the U.S. Open, earned 58 years ago today.
Played at demanding Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, Penn., and close to Palmer’s home of Latrobe, Nicklaus outlasted the man known as The King over four days and 90 holes. The win was Nicklaus’ first on the PGA Tour and first of a record 18 major championships, while the loss was one of several disappointments for Palmer’s during the sport’s national championship.
Along the way at Oakmont, one of the greatest rivalries — and ultimately friendships — would take root.
In the early 1960s, the U.S. Open remained a three-day affair, ending with a grueling 36-hole Saturday. Nicklaus sat at even par following two rounds and three shots behind Palmer and Bob Rosburg.
Nicklaus still trailed Palmer by two strokes after carding a third-round 72 on Oakmont’s par-71 layout. Palmer would follow a thirdround of 73 with an even-par round, but Nicklaus closed with a final-round, 2-under 69 to force a playoff.
During the 18-hole headto-head match Sunday, Nicklaus prevailed 71 to 74 much to the dismay of Arnie’s Army, his fan base, which had shown up in force to cheer their man to victory.
Nicklaus built a four-shot lead after six holes, and then withstood a charge by Palmer, who birdied holes No. 9, 10 and 12. A three-putt bogey by Palmer at the 13th hole gave Nicklaus control of the match.
The upstart from Ohio would go on to become the youngest U.S. Open winner since the legendary Bobby Jones in 1923.
Nicklaus’ pedigree and potential were undeniable — an NCAA title at Ohio State, two U.S. Amateur wins and a runner-up to Palmer at the 1960 U.S. Open, his only victory in the esteemed event. Nicklaus would win five U.S. Opens.
Once Nicklaus has his first win against Palmer at Oakmont, The King could see what was coming.
“Now that the big guy is out of the cage, everybody better run for cover,” Palmer reportedly said after Nicklaus victory. With sports suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, the Orlando Sentinel staff will highlight great moments in local sports history each day until our teams resume play. If you want to suggest a milestone worth celebrating at the high school, college or pro level, email ilimon@orlandosentinel.com.