Changing Of The Guard

About This Photograph

Arnold Palmer was the fan favorite and Jack Nicklaus was a young buck looking to make a name for himself. Nicklaus had credentials, having won two U.S. Amateur titles, but he had yet to win as a professional during his rookie 1962 campaign. Palmer also had an affection for Oakmont, a place where he competed in his first U.S. Open back in 1953. The long-hitting Nicklaus had come close two years earlier at Cherry Hills C.C., faltering over the final nine holes to yield the Open to Palmer, who carded a final-round 65. But at Oakmont, a rivalry was born, with Nicklaus taking out Palmer in an 18-hole playoff by three strokes (71-74). The difference was on the greens, where Palmer totaled 10 three-putts to Nicklaus' one.