Watch: Jack Nicholas remembered the 1962 US Open win against Arnold Palmer
Jack Nicholas spoke at the Omont Country Club during the 125th US Open and reflected his victory over Arnold Palmer in 1962
- Jack Nickus defeated his first major championship, Open Palmer at Omont in the 1962 US Open.
- Niclaus and Palmer developed a close friendship despite their rivalry.
- Palmer mentioned a young Nicholas in his career.
Oakmont – Jack Niclaus kicted his professional golf career by winning the first out of his 18 major championships at the Omont Country Club, taking down the Latrobe -native Arnold Palmer at a monumental 1962 US Open.
Nicolas would close Palmer in the 18-Hole playoffs for the first of its four US Open titles, which started a rivalry and also formed a close relationship between two hall of fames.
When Nicolas reached a professional scene at the age of 21, Palmer was already one of the best of the game, winning three of his seven major championships before Nicolas was Pro in 1961.
Even when Palmer was at the top of its game, Nicolas was still advised by Palmer through his early years, adding to a deep level in years to follow with the pair.
Niclaus told reporters at a press conference during the third round of the 125th US Open on Saturday, 14 June, “Arni was the man you wanted to win and especially to win here.” “I really did not consider him to be someone separate. He took me under his wing when I replaced Pro and considered me the same. Arnold became one of the closest friends I have ever done in the game.”
Nicholas had a very little professional experience or local knowledge of Western Pennsylvania, coming to the US Open of 1962, but was confident.
“I knew nothing about Okmont coming to the 1962 championship,” Nikloss said. “I came 10 days before the tournament and played once or twice. I finished second in 1960 and fourth (in the US Open) in 1961 so I felt that it was open to my victory. But as a 22-year-old, I didn’t realize that I was in the backyard of Arnold Palmer.”
After its victory, Niclaus completed his career Grand Slam in 1966, eventually won the Masters tournament six times, five PGA Championships and three British Open titles. He was also named PGA Player of the Year on five occasions.
Still, while impressing the game at the age of 85, he reflected how Palmer enhanced the game when he was at the top.
“Arnold popularized golf games in many ways,” Nicholas said. “He came together when he started television. Perhaps the television was very good for Arnold, but was very good for television and great for the game. There was a nature about him that someone else had no other and people loved him. He earned what he got.”