One of golf’s greatest upsets ever is the 1913 U.S. Open, when 20-year-old American amateur Francis Ouiment captured the title over England’s Ted Ray and Harry Vardon in a playoff.
In NorCal, there’s also the 1955 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club.
Just to get into the championship, Jack Fleck had to get through sectional qualifying in Chicago. He’d arrive at Olympic as the winner of two minor events.
On the other side, meanwhile, was legend Ben Hogan.
Hogan was not only one of golf’s greatest players but was also the sentimental favorite, having come back from a nearly fatal highway accident in 1949.
In the fourth round, Hogan finished play to take a two-shot lead over the no-name Fleck. Things looked so good for Hogan that NBC commentator Gene Sarazen congratulated him on the victory.
But Fleck was still out there, still grinding away. By the time he got to 18, Fleck just needed a birdie to tie Hogan. He’d get that birdie, sinking a 7-foot putt to forge a tie.
The next day in the playoff, Fleck kept going. He’d eventually take a one-shot lead to the 18th hole. Hogan went on to make a double-bogey on the hole, while Fleck made par, sealing the improbable win.
Said Fleck afterwards, “I’ve dreamed of becoming champion, but actually, I hoped to finish only among the first 10 so I wouldn’t have to qualify again next year.”
The great Hogan, meanwhile, was only left to tip his cap.
“I don’t care who he was or if anybody heard of him or what,” Hogan told sportswriter Dan Jenkins. “He played better than I did that day.”