This Day in U.S. Open History: June 17

Of the many U.S. Opens that ended on this date, two happened in back-to-back years 1961 and 1962. In 1961, Gene Littler won his only pro major at Oakland Hills, and in 1962, the legendary playoff between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus was played on this day at Oakmont, with Nicklaus winning his first major by three shots as a rookie. Littler, one of the sweetest swingers of a golf club, had his day in the sun on June 17, 1961. He had 72-68 in the final two rounds and beat Bob Goalby and Doug Sanders by one stroke. A San Diego native known for his love of classic cars and beating cancer, Littler had nearly won the 1954 U.S. Open at Baltusrol, the year after he had won the U.S. Amateur. Known as Gene the Machine, he was enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame.