Oakland Hills,
1937
In his US Open
debut, the big-
hittingSnead,who
was known to hit
300-yard-plus
drives, entered the
finalroundtiedfor
second with Ralph
Guldahl behind
Ed Dudley.
With his length
advantage, Slammin’
Sam was widely
expected to prevail
over the demanding
7,000-yard course
on the final day.
However, while
Dudleyfadedtoa
76 on the last day,
Guldahl shot a 69 to
Snead’s71towinby
two strokes.Medinah, 1949
In a tournament
made notable by the
appearance of the
legendary Byron
Nelson, who had
come out of
retirement to play,
Snead started the
final round six off the
lead. However, he
had the opportunityto force a play-off
with overnight
leader Cary
Middlecoff – who
had limped home
witha75–ifhe
could birdie the final
hole. Snead missed
the green with his
approach and could
only make par.Oakmont 1953
Although Snead
trailed his long-time
rival Ben Hogan by
one stroke entering
the final round, the
smart money was
onaSneadvictory.
Hogan’s legs had
been severely
damagedinacar
accident in 1949 and
the Texan was
struggling to cope
with the demands of
playing36holesin
oneday.Snead,on
the other hand, was
in his physical prime.
Victory would have
enabled Snead to tie
Hoganwithseven
majors. However, he
shot a 76 and lost
toHoganbysix
strokes.CLOSE, BUT STILL
NO CIGAR...
Snead’s three other frustrating
US Open near misses.US OPEN
‘I know that once you have putted, you
can finish out in medal play. I was so mad
then I couldn’t see straight’ – Sam Snead
No hard feelings: Worsham
and Snead shake hands
during the trophy ceremony.