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 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 in the sport’s national championship.