Compleat Golfer takes a look at three of the most memorable upsets in the history of the US Open.
1913 – Francis Ouimet
The 20-year-old amateur barely received a mention in the buildup to the 1913 US Open at Brookline in Massachusetts. Most of the attention centred on British professionals Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. Things looked to be going according to plan, with the two tied for the lead with a round to play. But Ouimet kept pace and the three were still tied after 72 holes. With the assistance of his 10-year-old caddie, Eddie Lowery, Ouimet fired a 72 in the playoff compared to Vardon’s 77 and Ray’s 78.
1955 – Jack Fleck
With Ben Hogan the clubhouse leader, two clear of little-fancied Jack Fleck, NBC television finished their coverage before Fleck had completed his round, ending with a shot of Gene Sarazen congratulating Hogan on another US Open title. But Fleck still had four to play. He birdied the 15th and 18th holes to fire a 67 and tie Hogan at the top. The following day, Fleck beat the great champion in an 18-hole playoff.
1969 – Orville Moody
Fourteen-year army veteran Orville Moody came through local qualifying to earn his place at the 1969 US Open at the Champions Golf Club in Houston. With the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and defending champion Lee Trevino in the field, Moody was hardly considered one of the favourites. The 35-year-old had never won a PGA Tour event. But on the final day, Miller Barber fell away and despite pressure from a number of players, Moody held on to win by a shot from Deane Beman, Bob Rosburg and Al Geiberger.
