On June 18, 1960, Arnold Palmer overcame a seven-stroke deficit in the final round of the US Open to win the tournament by two strokes over Jack Nicklaus. His performance remains the greatest comeback in the tournament’s century-plus history.
The win marked Palmer’s first and only US Open title and, together with Masters titles in 1958 and 1960, pushed his majors tally to three. He would finish his career with seven total major titles.
ARNOLD PALMER WINS 1960 US OPEN
Palmer entered the final round at Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, Colorado, trailing leader Mike Souchak by seven strokes. Tied for 15th place, he was considered out of contention for the US Open title, but a phenomenal front nine changed all that.
Palmer recorded birdies on six of the first seven holes, while the leaders struggled on the course. He carded a 65 (−6) after cooling off on the back nine, but his early heroics were still good enough to outpace Jack Nicklaus, the reigning US Amateur champion, who had played steady throughout.
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