On this Day: Arnold Palmer wins first and only US Open

From History.com

On June 18, 1960, Arnold Palmer shoots a 65 to win the US Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colorado. It was the best final round in US Open history.

Earlier in 1960 Palmer won his second Masters. This gave him momentum going into the U.S. Open. After three rounds, however, Palmer was tied for 15th, seven shots behind Mike Souchak.

Down but not out, he started the last round with an amazing four birdies in a row on his way to a record-tying 30 on the front nine. This put him in the race for the title alongside 47-year-old Ben Hogan, vying for his fifth U.S. Open title, and Hogan’s playing partner, Jack Nicklaus, a junior at Ohio State who shot a 282 for the tournament, an amateur record.

Palmer parred the last four holes for a 35 on the back nine and a total score of 65 to win his first and only U.S. Open title.

Palmer was named PGA Player of the Year in 1960, and again in 1962. Over the course of his career, he won the Masters four times and the British Open twice. In 1968, Palmer became the first golfer to earn $1 million in a year.