In 1983, Larry Nelson etched his name into U.S. Open history with a remarkable victory at the formidable Oakmont Country Club. This win marked the second of his three major championship titles and showcased his resilience and exceptional skill. The 1983 U.S. Open, the 83rd edition of the tournament, was held from June 16–20 at Oakmont, a course renowned for its difficulty and demanding layout.
Nelson's journey to victory was far from straightforward. After the first two days, he barely made the cut, recording scores of 75 and 73. He found himself seven strokes behind the leaders at the halfway point. However, the narrative shifted dramatically over the weekend. Nelson shot a U.S. Open record of 65-67 over the final 36 holes. This performance allowed him to surge up the leaderboard and ultimately claim the title. His record of 132 over the last 36 holes broke a 51-year-old Open record established by Gene Sarazen.
The final round was a nail-biting affair, with Nelson battling against the defending champion, Tom Watson. Watson was aiming to become the first player in over thirty years to successfully defend his U.S. Open title, a feat last achieved by Ben Hogan in 1951. Watson opened the final round with a blistering front-nine 31, establishing a three-stroke lead over Nelson, who carded a 33. However, the momentum shifted as Watson bogeyed the 10th and 12th holes, allowing Nelson to tie the lead with a birdie on the 14th.
Adding to the drama, a storm descended upon Oakmont around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, forcing play to be suspended until the following morning. At the time of the suspension, Watson was on the 14th green, and Nelson was on the 16th tee, with both players tied at four-under for the championship.
When play resumed on Monday, the tension was palpable. Watson faltered on the back nine, shooting a 38. Nelson seized the opportunity. A crucial moment came when Nelson sank a 62-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. While he bogeyed the 17th, Watson was unable to capitalize. After failing to save par from a bunker on the 17th, Watson needed a birdie on the 18th to force a tie. However, his approach shot flew over the green, and he was unable to hole his chip shot, sealing Nelson's victory by a single stroke. It was the second consecutive runner-up finish at Oakmont for Watson.
Nelson's triumph at Oakmont was a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure. According to golf historian David Moore, Nelson's service in Vietnam gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to approach the challenges of championship golf with a sense of rationality. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006.
The 1983 U.S. Open also marked a significant moment for Arnold Palmer, as it was the last time he made the cut in a U.S. Open, finishing tied for 60th place. The tournament also saw the major championship debut of future major winner Paul Azinger, who unfortunately missed the cut.
Larry Nelson's victory at the 1983 U.S. Open remains a memorable chapter in golf history. His record-breaking performance over the final 36 holes and his unwavering composure under pressure cemented his place among the game's greats.
