Jack Fleck's Incredible Victory Over Ben Hogan at the Open

The Upset: Jack Fleck's Incredible Victory over Ben Hogan at the U.S. Open

by Al Barkow

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Jack Fleck's victory over Ben Hogan at the 1955 U.S. Open is one of the most famous upsets in golf history. Fleck, a relatively unknown amateur, defeated Hogan, one of the greatest golfers of all time, in an 18-hole playoff.

The tournament was held at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. Hogan was the heavy favorite, having won four of the previous five U.S. Opens. Fleck, on the other hand, was a 32-year-old insurance salesman who had never won a major championship.

Fleck started the final round four strokes behind Hogan. He birdied the first hole to close the gap, but Hogan birdied the second hole to regain his four-stroke lead. Fleck then birdied the third hole to cut Hogan's lead to three strokes.

The two players traded birdies and pars over the next few holes. Fleck birdied the 10th hole to get within one stroke of Hogan. Hogan then bogeyed the 11th hole to give Fleck the lead.

Fleck held onto his lead for the next few holes. He birdied the 15th hole to increase his lead to two strokes. Hogan birdied the 16th hole to cut Fleck's lead to one stroke. Fleck then parred the 17th hole to give Hogan a chance to tie the tournament.

Hogan hit a great drive on the 18th hole, but his approach shot landed in a bunker. He was unable to get up and down, and Fleck made par to win the tournament.

Fleck's victory was a major upset. He was the first amateur to win the U.S. Open since Bobby Jones in 1930. His victory is still considered one of the greatest upsets in golf history.

The Impact of Fleck's Victory

Fleck's victory had a major impact on the game of golf. It showed that anyone, even an amateur, could win a major championship. It also helped to popularize the game of golf and make it more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Fleck's victory also had a major impact on Hogan. Hogan was never the same player after that day. He never won another major championship, and he retired from competitive golf in 1969.

Fleck's Legacy

Fleck's victory at the 1955 U.S. Open is still considered one of the greatest upsets in golf history. He is a legend in the game of golf, and his story is an inspiration to golfers of all ages.

Fleck died in 2010 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his two children.

The Upset: Jack Fleck's Incredible Victory over Ben Hogan at the U.S. Open

by Al Barkow

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE