Julius Boros

Julius Borros won the Championship for the second time by defeating Arnold Palmer and Jacky Cupit in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club, Brookline, Mass. Strong and gusty winds caused playing conditions as severe as any in the Open's history and the lowest 72-hole scores of 293 were nine over par, the highest since 1935 when Sam Parks won with 299 at Oakmont. Boros' rounds were 71-74-76-72. In the playoff, with the wind diminished, Boros won handily with a 70.

Cupit shot 73 and Palmer 76. Boros was the first of the three to finish the fourth round. He birdied the 16th and the 17th holes in the only strong finish by a contender. Palmer missed a putt of two feet on the 71st. Cupit lost a two-stroke lead with 6 on the par-4 71st. The last contender on the course, Cupit then narrowly missed holing a 15-foot putt for a birdie on the home green. Paul Harney, who finished before Boros, went one over par on the last hole and finished one stroke behind the leaders.

Tony Lema failed to par either of the last two holes and tied with Bruce Crampton and Billy Maxwell at 295. The wind, which came up at mid-day during the first round and was always a factor thereafter, blew in gusts up to 35 miles per hour during Saturday's two rounds and changed direction frequently. Of 409 rounds played in the Championship only 14 were par 71 or better. Bob Gajda was the first-round leader with 69. After 36 holes Palmer, Cupit and Dow Finsterwald were tied at 142 and Cupit led after 54 holes with 218.

Boros, 43 years old, became the oldest American to win the Championship. Ted Ray of England was 26 days older on the day he won in 1920. Only Ben Hogan compiled a better record in the Open than Boros since World War II. In nine of 13 starts Boros was among the first 10. He also won in 1952. Jack Nicklaus, the defending Champion, failed to qualify for the final 36 holes. He scored 76-77- 153, one stroke over the cutoff score.

For the first time, no amateur qualified for the final 36 holes. Prize money was a record $96,350, including $88,550 in the Championship proper and $7,800 in the 13 Sectional Qualifying Championships. Boros' share was $17,500, including a $1,500 bonus that went to each of the three in the playoff. Professionals who did not qualify to play the last 36 holes were rewarded for the first time, each receiving $150. The Championship honored the 50th anniversary of Francis Ouimet's historic Open victory at The Country Club.