US OPEN 2012: Olympic’s past champions
46 years ago
Casper strikes gold
JACK Fleck began the unlikely winners at Olympic and Billy Casper continued the trend in 1966.
The American and Arnold Palmer finished seven shots ahead of the field. Palmer went out in 32 in the final round but then dropped seven shots to the eventual winner.
Casper, who won the same title at Winged Foot in 1959, was round in 69 in the play-off while Palmer finished four shots adrift.
25 years ago
Simpson upsets Watson
TOM Watson’s previous Major win had come in 1983 but he came into the Sunday here in 1987 with a one-shot lead over compatriot Scott Simpson who had three wins to his name on the PGA Tour.
Simpson birdied 14, 15 and 16 and Watson just missed from distance at the 72nd hole to force another day’s play. Spain’s Seve Ballesteros was five back in third, his highest finish in any US Open.
14 years ago
Janzen doubles up
AFTER three days it looked like Payne Stewart would add a second US Open crown but it was Lee Janzen who would emerge victorious.
Stewart led by four overmight but a 68 by Janzen, helped by two slices of luck at the 5th and 11th, was good enough for a one-shot win to follow up on his 1993 triumph.
The Americans filled eight of the nine top spots with Lee Westwood sharing seventh. Stewart would have to wait just 12 months for a second success.
