This Day in U.S. Open History: June 16

There are a few golfers chasing down their first major today at the U.S..Open at Pinehurst No. 2. A player who went down in history as one of the greatest to never win a major, Harry Cooper, was involved in today’s U.S. Open moment. He was in good shape to win the 1927 championship at Oakmont but shot 77 in the final round on June 16 and then lost the next day to Tommy Armour, 76-79, in a playoff. Also on this date in 1974 the notorious U.S. Open at Winged Foot, called a “massacre” because of the 7-over-par winning score, came to a merciful halt with Hale Irwin winning his first of three U.S. Opens, by two shots over Forrest Fezler. The 36-hole cut came at 13 over par.