OAKMONT, Pa. — In the storied halls of Oakmont, where the echoes of past triumphs whisper across the meticulously manicured greens, legends Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller took a moment to reflect on their defining U.S. Open victories.
Both champions gaze across the landscape, barely changed but for the increased yardage. The towering Oakmont course has seen much, hosting singular moments from Nicklaus's legendary playoff win against Arnold Palmer in 1962 to Miller’s historic 63 in the final round 11 years later, a U.S. Open feat yet unmatched.
“It’s all about the putting,” Nicklaus mused, recalling the singular three-putt that still irks him. “One under par won the tournament back then. It might just win it again.”
Patience and tactical prowess were keys to conquering these notoriously unforgiving greens. A mere three players found themselves under par halfway through the current tournament, a testament to Oakmont’s enduring challenge.
Miller’s triumph in 1973 was a testament to resolve. After a third-round 76, his hopes seemed dashed, yet his response was swift and iconic. “Every shot except one was below the cup on those lightning-fast greens,” he marveled at his own flawless round, marked only by a singular misstep at the long par-3 eighth.
Both Nicklaus and Miller battled not just the course but also the crowds, loyal to local hero Arnold Palmer. Nicklaus reminisced, “Arnold was the man to beat. I was just this focused 22-year-old, blinders on, not realizing the crowd’s energy.”
If asked to offer a meaningful club from his victory, Nicklaus has no doubt — his mastery of the greens proved paramount. Miller refrained, preferring a strategy of relentless aggression, never one to shy from a challenge, which later endeared him to fans in his 29-year commentary career.
The landscape of golf has shifted, not just physically but financially. Today’s winner stands to claim $4.3 million from a staggering $21.5 million prize fund. In contrast, Nicklaus’s 1962 victory earned him $17,500, while Miller’s 1973 title brought $30,000.
Despite these changes, the essence remains: the passion, the drive, the unyielding quest for greatness. As Nicklaus reflects, “We were trailblazers, and whether for today’s prizes or yesteryear’s, we played for the love of the game.”
