Billy Casper

William Earl Casper, Jr., 27, of San Diego, California won the Championship with 71-68-69-74-282 at Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N. Y. The 212-pound Champion was one stroke better than Robert R. Rosburg and two strokes better than Mike Souchak and Claude Harmon, the host professional. Casper took the lead in the second round and held it thereafter. A series of thunderstorms struck on the third day and the final round was postponed until the following day for the first time in Open history. The fourth round thereby was played Sunday in chilly, gusty weather The players cooperated wonderfully with some not starting until nearly 5 p.m.

James R. English of Denver was low amateur with 299. Defending Champion Tommy Bolt took 301. Attendance of approximately 43,377 set a record for the three regularly scheduled days. Prize money was increased 20% and totaled $49,200 for the Championship proper, plus $1,300 for 13 Sectional Qualifying Championships. Casper's first prize was $12,000. The entry of 2,385 was a record and for the first time double qualifying was held. Fifty-seven districts held first local qualifying rounds and 13 sections held the final qualifying, all at 36 holes.