This Day in Golf History: May 23

On this date in 1963, Jack Nicklaus, in his second PGA Tour season, made his first hole-in-one of his pro career, which helped him get into a seven-way tie for the first-round lead with a 67 at the Memphis Open. Already a two-time major champion, Nicklaus aced the 185-yard but had to settle for a tie with seven others at 3-under-par 67s including hometown favorite Cary Middlecoff for the first-round lead in the Memphis Golf tourney. Nicklaus aced the 185-yard third hole with a 6-iron, the ball landing right of the hole but kicking left. Tony Lema, one of those tied for the lead, ended up the tournament winner. And the greatest “old” player, Sam Snead, died on this date in 2002, four days short of his 90th birthday. Some of his age records include oldest player to be credited with winning a PGA Tour event at age 52 years, 10 months, 8 days at the 1965 Greater Greensboro Open and oldest player to make the cut at a major at age 67 years, 2 months, 7 days at the 1979 PGA Championship.