Open Greats

Few players have had a bigger impact on The Open than Arnold Palmer.

American participation in the Championship had dried up following World War II due to a variety of factors, but that soon changed following Palmer’s first two trips across the pond.

Much excitement surrounded his visit to St Andrews in 1960 as he looked to remain on course for a calendar year Grand Slam after winning the first two majors of the year.

‘The King’ came mightily close to marking his Open debut with a win. He was just one shot from being crowned as the Champion Golfer of the Year on his maiden appearance, instead having to settle for second as Kel Nagle won the Centenary Open.

Arnie’s Army did not have to wait long for a success to celebrate. The following year Palmer became the third American to win the Claret Jug in nearly three decades, following in the footsteps of Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.

His victory at Royal Birkdale included the infamous 6-iron he struck sweetly from a bush onto the green on the 15th hole, now the 16th, which is commemorated with a plaque today.

What is more, Palmer had revived The Open in the eyes of American players and fans, thereby playing a significant role in the Championship becoming the global event it is today.

He defended his title in style at Royal Troon in 1962, gaining revenge over Nagle in the process as he beat his rival by six shots.

After his second straight triumph, Palmer recorded four further top-10 finishes before he was saluted on the Swilcan Bridge in his 23rd and final Open appearance at St Andrews in 1995.

Arnold Palmer’s record at The Open

1960 | St Andrews

Position: 2nd

Score: 279 (70, 71, 70, 68)

1961 | Royal Birkdale

Position: Champion Golfer of the Year

Score: 284 (70, 73, 69, 72)

1962 | Royal Troon

Position: Champion Golfer of the Year

Score: 276 (71, 69, 67, 69)

1963 | Royal Lytham & St Annes

Position: T26

Score: 294 (76, 71, 71, 76)

1965 | Royal Birkdale

Position: 16th

Score: 295 (70, 71, 75, 79)

1966 | Muirfield

Position: T8

Score: 288 (73, 72, 69, 74)

1968 | Carnoustie

Position: T10

Score: 297 (77, 71, 72, 77)

1970 | St Andrews

Position: 12th

Score: 290 (68, 72, 76, 74)

1972 | Muirfield

Position: T7

Score: 286 (73, 73, 69, 71)

1973 | Royal Troon

Position: T14

Score: 290 (72, 76, 70, 72)

1975 | Carnoustie

Position: T16

Score: 288 (74, 72, 69, 73)

1976 | Royal Birkdale

Position: T55

Score: 300 (75, 72, 76, 77)

1977 | Turnberry

Position: 7th

Score: 282 (73, 73, 67, 69)

1978 | St Andrews

Position: T34

Score: 292 (71, 71, 75, 75)

1980 | Muirfield

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 150 (76, 74)

1981 | Royal St George’s

Position: T23

Score: 290 (72, 74, 73, 71)

1982 | Royal Troon

Position: T27

Score: 296 (71, 73, 78, 74)

1983 | Royal Birkdale

Position: T56

Score: 289 (72, 74, 68, 75)

1984 | St Andrews

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 153 (76, 77)

1987 | Muirfield

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 153 (75, 78)

1989 | Royal Troon

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 164 (82, 82)

1990 | St Andrews

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 144 (73, 71)

1995 | St Andrews

Position: Missed Cut

Score: 158 (83, 75)