Gary Player of South Africa defeated Kel Nagle of Australia in an 18-hole playoff to win his only U.S. Open title.

Player was the first foreign-born winner of the U.S. Open since 1927, and the win completed his career Grand Slam at age 29.

As Player reached the 18th tee, he knew he needed a birdie to win outright, as Nagle had parred the final hole for 282 (+2).

[3][6] In the 18-hole playoff on Monday afternoon, Player built a five-shot lead after eight holes and held on to win by three strokes, 71 to 74.

Defending champion Ken Venturi was hampered by numbed fingers[4][8] and missed the cut by ten strokes.