Palmer Opens PGA Championship With 67; Snead One Stroke Back
Firestone’s Long Layout Narrows Field After First Round
AKRON, Ohio, June 21 — Arnold Palmer, whose powerful game has dominated the season, opened the 42nd Professional Golfers’ Association Championship today with a three‑under‑par 67 on the demanding Firestone course. Sam Snead, still one of the game’s most formidable figures after two decades on tour, followed closely with a 68.
The 7,165‑yard layout, with its narrow fairways and punishing rough, quickly separated the contenders from the rest. Only a handful of players broke par, and many of the pre‑tournament favorites found themselves well back after the opening round.
Paul Harney and Fred Haas, neither considered strong threats beforehand, turned in 69s. Several others, including Doug Sanders, Ken Venturi, Don Fairfield, and Don January, posted even‑par 70s.
Course Proves Demanding
Firestone played slightly softer due to tee and pin placements, but its length and hazards still favored long hitters with control. Palmer, out early while dew still clung to the grass, used his strength to carry traps and his touch to escape trouble. Snead, famed for his driving throughout his career, matched Palmer’s power and relied on deft scrambling to stay close.
Venturi appeared headed for a 69 until a drive strayed at the 18th, costing him a stroke. His round included a minute‑long wait at the 17th for a lip‑hanging putt that finally dropped.
Big Names Struggle
Ben Hogan, returning to the PGA Championship after a long absence, finished with a 74, tying defending champion Bob Rosburg, Gene Littler, and several others. Dow Finsterwald, Billy Casper, Mike Souchak, and Cary Middlecoff were among a large group at 73.
The course’s narrow corridors and thick rough punished even slight errors, and many players found themselves battling simply to stay near par.
Palmer Eyes “Pro Triple”
Already the Masters and U.S. Open champion, Palmer is seeking an unprecedented sweep of the year’s major professional titles. His opening 34‑33—67 drew much of the day’s gallery, which grew to more than 10,000.
Snead followed with a steady 35‑33—68, keeping himself firmly in contention as the championship moves into its second round.
Play continues Friday.
Courtesy of The San Francisco Chronicle July 22, 1960 via Newspapers.com