Nicklaus Not Sure How Long Streak Will Continue
Jack Nicklaus wouldn’t give a definite answer. Was the 97th U.S. Open the last one for the four-time champion and 41-time competitor?
The Nicklaus, 57, winner of 18 major titles, hasn’t missed a major since 1961, a streak extended to 140 after he played in last week’s U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course in Bethesda, Md.
“You never really know when it is the last time,” said Nicklaus, who tied for 52nd at 13-over-par 293, 17 strokes behind winner Ernie Els. “I’ve had that feeling several times at the British Open. Who knows?”
Nicklaus’ streak would end if he decided not to play in next month’s British Open, which will be at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. He said he’ll decide based on his performance in several tournaments before the July 17 opening round.
He’s been successful this year, with two top-10 finishes in nine events split between the PGA and Senior tours. Nicklaus finished in a second-place tie at the PGA Seniors Championship in April.
“I’m playing the best golf I’ve played in 10 years,” he said. “I’m healthier, my hip is working and I’m having fun.”
He was a favorite of the crowd at Congressional, getting long ovations wherever he played. After making par on the 18th hole Sunday, he smiled as he walked off the green toward the clubhouse. He was accompanied by two of his sons: Gary, who missed the cut after qualifying for his first Open, and Jackie, who caddied for his father.
President takes Chelsea to Open
President Clinton looked at Sunday’s picture-perfect weather and decided to spend Father’s Day with daughter Chelsea at the final round of the U.S. Open.
The presidential motorcade arrived at Congressional Country Club around 3 p.m. after making the short drive from the White House. The Clintons and several friends were taken to a specially built tent near the 16th green, where they stayed until around 6:30.
President Clinton, who clapped politely when many of the players made putts, pumped his fist and gave a thumbs-up to Fuzzy Zoeller as he walked to the green.
The President then clapped excitedly as Zoeller’s shot came within 5 feet of the hole.
Finishing hole easy pickings
The 18th hole marked the first time a U.S. Open finished on a par-3 since 1909, when the now-defunct Englewood Golf Club in New Jersey, hosted the 15th Open. Congressional’s 190-yard 18th was the seventh-easiest hole on the course. Players took an average of 3.105 strokes over the Open’s four rounds.
‘98 Open in San Francisco
Next year’s U.S. Open will be at the Olympic Club’s Lake Course in San Francisco from June 18-21. It’ll be the first Open there since 1987 and fourth overall.