Jack Nicklaus 1962 US Open Oakmont 270
The Golden Bear's first professional victory came at the 1962 U.S. Open, where he defeated Arnold Palmer by three shots in a playoff.
Jack William Nicklaus (born January 21, 1940), nicknamed "the Golden Bear", is an American retired professional golfer and golf course designer. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won 117 professional tournaments in his career, including a record 18 major championships. He is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Quick Facts
- Event
- 1962 US Open
- Course
- Oakmont Country Club
- Pittsburgh
- Pennsylvania
- Winner
- Jack Nicklaus (age 21)
- Total score
- 270 (10 under par)
- Daily scores
- 66 – 68 – 68 – 68
- Margin of victory
- 13 strokes (record at the time)
- Significance
- Nicklaus's first major championship
Lore & Background
Nicklaus won his first professional victory at the 1962 U.S. Open, defeating Palmer by three shots in an 18-hole playoff beginning a long-running rivalry between the two.
Reader's Guide
Open, nor the total score or par for the tournament. It only states that Nicklaus defeated Palmer by three shots in an 18-hole playoff.
Did You Know?
- Nicklaus won the U.S. Amateur in 1959 and 1961.
- He turned professional in 1961 at age 21.
- In 1966, Nicklaus became the first player to win the Masters Tournament in back-to-back years.
- At age 46, Nicklaus won his final major championship at the 1986 Masters Tournament, which was a record sixth Masters title.
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