Souchak Shoots 67, Sets 36‑Hole Open Record at 135
Three‑Stroke Lead Over Sanders as Field Cut to 147
DENVER, June 17 — Mike Souchak, the powerful Pennsylvanian whose length off the tee has long been admired but whose major‑championship record has remained unfulfilled, delivered one of the finest rounds of his career today. Under a blazing Colorado sun, he fired a four‑under‑par 67 to seize firm command of the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills with a record‑breaking 36‑hole total of 135.
The previous halfway mark of 138, shared by Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Dick Mayer, and Billy Joe Patton, was swept aside as Souchak moved three strokes ahead of Doug Sanders, who posted a smooth 68 for 138.
Souchak, who tied for third in last year’s Open, never went over par until the final hole and one‑putted 10 greens. He birdied the 4th, 7th, 11th, 13th, and 16th holes, and was in the rough only three times all day.
Sanders Alone in Second
Sanders, the 26‑year‑old Miami professional who has cashed in 35 straight tournaments, turned in a steady round in which he missed only three greens. He three‑putted twice but otherwise kept pace with Souchak’s fireworks.
Three players followed at 140: Jack Fleck, who added a 70; Jerry Barber, with a 71; and Dow Finsterwald, who shot 69.
Defending champion Billy Casper posted a 70 for 141. Tied with him were Sam Snead, who mixed six birdies with four bogeys for a 69; Ted Kroll, also with a 69; Bruce Crampton, who shot 71; and amateur Don Cherry.
Hogan Roars Back With 67
Ben Hogan, seeking a fifth Open crown, rebounded sharply from his opening‑round 75 with a brilliant 67 for 142. He was joined at that figure by Gary Player, who shot 72; Julius Boros, who had a 69; and amateur Jack Nicklaus, who posted 71.
The cut came at 147, with Cary Middlecoff and Bob Rosburg just surviving.
Souchak in Complete Control
Souchak, bareheaded and smiling throughout the round, said he played “far better” than on Thursday, when he needed only 24 putts. He credited recent dieting — he has shed 25 pounds — and putting lessons from Jackie Burke for his improved form.
His only bogey came at the 18th. From a sidehill lie, he attempted to hook a 5‑iron into the green but pushed it into the gallery. His chip stopped eight feet short, and the putt slid past.
Even so, he finished the day with a commanding lead and an eye on Hogan’s tournament record of 276.
Notable Rounds and Local Interest
Rex Baxter, a 24‑year‑old pro on Army leave, matched Souchak’s 67 but remained far back at 148.
Arnold Palmer, the Masters champion and leading money winner, was dissatisfied with a 71 that left him at 143 and tied for 15th.
Among Philadelphia‑area players, Art Wall Jr. shot 73 for 145; Stan Dudas posted 74 for the same total despite a double bogey at the 12th; and Sam Penecale eagled the ninth on his way to a 73 and 146. Henry Williams Jr. and Jay Weitzel failed to make the cut.
Courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer June 18, 1960 via Newspapers.com