In one of the finest performances in tournament history, Johnny Miller fired a record, 8-under-par 63 in the final round to win his first major championship, one stroke ahead of runner-up John Schlee.

[3][4][5][6][7] Jack Nicklaus, the winner at Oakmont eleven years earlier, was the favorite entering the championship.

Thursday, June 14, 1973 Underweight from recent surgeries, 1965 champion Gary Player shot 67 to lead by three strokes.

At the 15th hole, Miller hit his approach to ten feet (3 m) and converted for birdie to take solo possession of the lead.

Despite John Schlee taking a double-bogey on the 1st hole of the final round by the time he got to the 18th Tee he was only player left on the course with a chance to tie Miller.