This Day in Golf History: June 15

With the U.S. Open set for a survival-of-the-fittest type finish today at Oakmont, on this date in 1980, with the drama that few can match, Jack Nicklaus won his fourth U.S. Open, holding off Japan’s Isao Aoki at Baltusrol in Springfield, N.J. Nicklaus shot 63 in the first round then had to stay sharp the rest of the way with Aoki right on his heels all the way to the end, finishing second by two shots. Also, on this date in 1947, Sam Snead lost an 18-hole playoff to Lew Worsham in the U.S. Open at St. Louis C.C., 69-70. An infamous moment took place on the final hole when both players had short putts for par to extend the playoff. After Snead ran his first putt up close, he thought he was out and was set to go right into his routine and putt. But Worsham protested he thought he might be out. But after a measurement, it was determined Snead indeed did have the honor. But perturbed at the delay, he missed and Worsham made his putt and won.