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In 1962, Jack Nicklaus, just
22-years-old and playing
in his first U.S. Open as a
professional, announced his
presence to the world by
winning at Oakmont in an
18-hole Monday playoff with
hometown favorite Arnold
Palmer. It began a competitive
friendship that has lasted both
of their lives.
Although Arnold never won a
major at Oakmont, he made
his first appearance in a U.S.
Open there in 1953, and his
last appearance in a U.S.
Open came at Oakmont in
1994, when Ernie Els hoisted
the trophy.
Oakmont was also the site
of the famous final-round 63
posted by Johnny Miller in
the 1973 U.S. Open. Miller’s
iron play was superb that day
with 15 of his 18 approach
shots finishing within 15 feet
of the hole.
With an injured thumb that
required surgery after her
win, Paula Creamer gutted
out a win in the US Women’s
Open in 2010. She put on
a masterful performance of
consistency, hitting fairways
with her driver and finding
greens with her irons.
All eyes will once again be
on historic Oakmont Country
Club for the U.S. Open being
held June 14-17. Can Jordan
Spieth join the ranks of the
great heroes of the past and
defend his U.S. Open crown
or will Jason Day, or possibly
Rory McIlroy etch their name
in Oakmont’s storied history?
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