In fact, with Colin Montgomerie holding the clubhouse lead at even-par, and hours of howling golf left to be played, Nicklaus went so far as to congratulate the Scot for winning his first U.S. That made Tom Kite’s even-par 72, highlighted by a wind-shaped chip-in birdie on No. The scoring average the final round was 77.3, the third highest since World War II.
Open title, robbing Nicklaus of a record fifth victory. “You’re something else,” Nicklaus told Watson behind the 18th green. But for good measure, Watson poured in a 20-foot birdie to win by two. With Nicklaus already in the clubhouse, Watson only needed a par to clinch victory. Watson fired back, “I’m going to sink it.” Watson did, and burst into an impromptu victory lap around the green. Caddie Bruce Edwards encouraged Watson to get it close. Tom Watson was tied for the final-round lead with Nicklaus as he stood over a chip-shot on No. Nicklaus shot a final-round 74 to finish at 2-over 290, three ahead of Bruce Crampton, and four strokes clear of Arnold Palmer, who had crept to within one shot of the lead as late as the 12th hole on Sunday. The win was Nicklaus’ 11th professional Major (tying Water Hagen), and 13th including his two U.S. 17 that short-hopped the flag stick for a tap-in birdie. Nicklaus led wire-to-wire, but in howling conditions that dried out the greens, his three-shot lead wasn’t secure until he hit one of the most famous shots in golf - a 1-iron on No. The scoring average during the final round was a staggering 78.8 - the highest since World War II. There’s just a sense that you’re seeing something great.”
“There are always tremendous finishing holes that add incredible drama. Open at Pebble Beach is always memorable,” says the United States Golf Association’s Craig Smith.
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