The US Open, the year’s second major, returns to Oakmont Country Club this week, one of the circuit’s most notorious courses. Here is a look at the past five major championships held there.
1962 — Jack Nicklaus (1-under)
Nicklaus prevailed against Arnold Palmer in a Sunday play-off, the game’s rising star taking down its undisputed top dog. Nicklaus, 22, eventually beat his illustrious foe by three strokes in what was deemed Palmer’s backyard given he grew up in nearby Latrobe. It was Nicklaus’ first major and his first professional victory. The road to his record 18 major titles had begun, so too his fabled rivalry with Palmer.
1973 — Johnny Miller (5-under)
One of the tournament’s most remarkable rounds sealed the trophy, with Miller firing an 8-under 63 on Sunday to win by one. He entered the final round six strokes off a quartet at the top, but hit every green in regulation to triumph. Miller’s score was so good that the following year the USGA toughened the course to such an extent it was labelled The Massacre at Winged Foot.
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1983 — Larry Nelson (4-under)
Nelson clinched the crown following a tournament of two very distinct halves. Having laboured through Thursday and Friday, he then posted a 65-67 finish to win by one from Tom Watson, the defending champion. Nelson’s weekend work set a 36-hole record for the event, breaking the great Gene Sarazen’s 51-year-old mark. It stood until 2011, when broken by Rory McIlroy’s procession at Congressional.
1994 — Ernie Els (5-under)
Already at Dubai Desert Classic champion, Els announced his arrival on the grand stage by claiming the first of his four major titles, and his first victory in America, too. The South African, 24, defeated Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie in a Monday play-off, with Els and Roberts facing off in sudden death once Montgomerie had been eliminated. The young star took the trophy on the second extra hole.
2007 — Angel Cabrera (5-over)
Cabrera prospered on a rejigged Oakmont, which offered its sternest test to date. Lengthened and more hazardous, only eight rounds of under par were recorded all week. Cabrera registered two of those, with his 1-under 69 on Sunday securing the title ahead of Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk, who both finished one back. It was the Argentine’s first of two majors, followed by the Masters two years later.
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