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Golf’s 13 greatest achievements: Let the debate begin

12. Ken Venturi’s 1964 US Open victory

ROBERTO BOREA/AP/FILE
CBS golf broadcaster Ken Venturi waves at the Kemper Open in Potomac, Md., in 2002.

  • By Ross Atkin Staff writer

Venturi’s will to win this tournament is often cited as one of the most courageous efforts in golf history.  The 1964 US Open was not only played during a scorching heat wave at the Congressional Country Club in suburban Washington, with temperatures near 100 degrees, but the tournament’s format then called for playing a double round on Saturday.

To make matters worse, Congressional was laid out over 7,050 yards, making it the longest par‑70 course in Open history. Venturi almost collapsed after the first 18 holes on Saturday. Despite being advised not to continue, he played on, accompanied by a doctor, and overcame his his shaky physical condition to outshoot third-round leader Tommy Jacobs and win by four strokes.

Venturi’s determination was fed by a burning desire to complete an incredible career comeback from a two-year slump that saw his earnings plummet to a measly $3,848 in 1963. The comeback culminated with the Open win and led to his selection as Sports Illustrated’s 1964 Sportsman of the Year.

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Mark Sappenfield
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