Nagle Captures British Open by One Stroke
Palmer Finishes With Brilliant 68 but Falls Short, 279 to 278
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland, July 9 — Kel Nagle of Australia claimed the centenary British Open championship today on the Old Course, completing the 72‑hole test with a total of 278, tying the record set two years ago by Peter Thomson. His margin was a single stroke over Arnold Palmer, whose closing round of 68 electrified the vast gallery but could not erase the deficit.
Nagle, 39, played a steady final round of 71, following earlier scores of 69, 67, and 71. His victory, the first major championship of his career, earned him the centenary medal and the first prize of 1,250 pounds.
Palmer, seeking the third leg of a grand slam, mounted a stirring charge in the final round, finishing with birdies on the last two holes. His 34‑34—68 brought his total to 279, but the Australian’s steadiness prevailed.
Rain Forces Saturday Finish
The final round, originally scheduled for Friday, was postponed after a sudden downpour flooded the Valley of Sin and filled several bunkers. The Swilken Burn nearly overflowed, and officials halted play at 2:30 p.m. Nine pairs had already begun their rounds.
Saturday’s weather allowed the championship to resume, and more than 15,000 spectators followed the leaders down the closing fairways.
Nagle’s Key Shots
Nagle’s victory hinged on two critical strokes: an eight‑foot putt for par at the Road Hole and a nine‑iron to within three feet at the home hole. He two‑putted calmly from there to secure the championship.
His playing partner, Roberto De Vicenzo, who had led after two rounds, struggled to a 73 and finished at 282, tied for third with Bernard Hunt and Harold Henning.
Palmer’s Gallant Finish
Palmer’s round featured bold play and a dramatic recovery at the Road Hole, where he had taken three fives in earlier rounds. His second shot finished in heavy grass near the road, but he chose to putt up the steep bank, stopping within six feet and holing the putt for his first four of the week on the hole.
At the home hole, Palmer struck a long drive, followed with a crisp wedge, and holed a five‑footer for birdie, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Palmer used 136 putts over the 72 holes, compared with 125 in his U.S. Open victory at Denver. His putting difficulties throughout the week may have cost him the championship.
De Vicenzo’s Troubles
De Vicenzo’s hopes faded early in the round when he missed short chances at the first and fifth holes. He three‑putted the 10th and drove out of bounds at the 14th, taking seven. His 73 left him four strokes behind Nagle.
Player and Others
Defending champion Gary Player finished with 72 for a total of 215. Syd Scott’s early 67 brought him into a tie with Palmer at 211 before the final round.
The championship, delayed for the first time since 1910, concluded under clear skies and with a finish worthy of the Old Course’s storied history.
Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune July 10, 1960 via Newspapers.com