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Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan, and Pro Golf's Greatest Upset: A Chronicle of the 1955 Open Championship

Juan Butler

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Published in The Longest Shot: Jack Fleck Ben Hogan And Pro Golf S Greatest Upset At The 1955 U S Open

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In the annals of professional golf, the 1955 Open Championship stands as a testament to the game's enduring ability to produce moments of unparalleled drama and suspense. The tournament, held at the iconic St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland, witnessed a stunning upset that would forever etch the names of Jack Fleck and Ben Hogan into golf history.

The Contenders

At the outset of the championship, Ben Hogan was the heavy favorite. The "Hawk" was at the height of his powers, having won four major championships in the previous two years, including the 1953 and 1954 Opens. Hogan's precision, power, and mental fortitude had made him one of the most dominant players in the game.

The Longest Shot: Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan, and Pro Golf's Greatest Upset at the 1955 U.S. Open

by Neil Sagebiel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Jack Fleck, on the other hand, was a relatively unknown quantity. The 37-year-old journeyman pro had never won a tournament of any kind on the PGA Tour. He had qualified for the Open Championship as an alternate and was largely dismissed as a non-contender.

The Tournament

The tournament began with Hogan shooting a solid opening round of 69. However, Fleck stole the show with a stunning 65, setting a new course record and taking an early lead. Over the next two rounds, Fleck continued to play superbly, maintaining his advantage over a field that included Hogan, Sam Snead, and Gary Player.

As the tournament entered the final round, Fleck held a two-stroke lead over Hogan. The drama intensified with every shot, as the two contenders battled it out on the storied links. Hogan, with his characteristic determination, birdied the 17th hole to put the pressure on Fleck.

The Climactic Moment

On the iconic 18th hole, the Road Hole, Fleck found himself in trouble. His tee shot landed in the treacherous Road Bunker, leaving him with a seemingly impossible shot. However, with Hogan breathing down his neck, Fleck displayed nerves of steel. He hit a miraculous shot from the bunker, landing the ball on the green just inches from the hole.

With Hogan standing over a long putt to tie, Fleck calmly sank his birdie putt. The crowd erupted in cheers as Fleck sealed a one-stroke victory, one of the most improbable upsets in golf history.

Legacy

Jack Fleck's victory at the 1955 Open Championship sent shockwaves through the world of golf. It proved that even the most unheralded players can achieve greatness on the sport's biggest stage. The tournament is remembered as one of the most dramatic and memorable moments in golf history.

Fleck's triumph also cast a different light on Ben Hogan. While he was disappointed not to win, he was gracious in defeat and praised Fleck's performance. Hogan's sportsmanship and humility further cemented his legacy as one of the game's true legends.

The 1955 Open Championship has been immortalized in the book "Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan, and Pro Golf's Greatest Upset." The book, a captivating blend of historical research and personal anecdotes, tells the full story of the tournament, providing a vivid account of one of golf's most iconic moments.

The 1955 Open Championship will forever be remembered as a tale of triumph, adversity, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Jack Fleck's stunning upset over Ben Hogan proved that anything is possible in the game of golf. The tournament left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of golfers to believe in their own abilities.

The Longest Shot: Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan, and Pro Golf's Greatest Upset at the 1955 U.S. Open

by Neil Sagebiel

4.6 out of 5