The demanding setup on Winged Foot’s West Course, especially the firm greens, confounded the field and led to the famous quote by Championship Committee chairman Sandy Tatum: “We’re not trying to embarrass the best players in the game. We’re trying to identify them.” Tom Watson, the 54-hole leader, carded a final-round 79, and Hale Irwin took advantage of the future Hall of Famer’s struggles, shooting a 73 to earn the first of his three U.S. Open titles. His 72-hole total was 7-over 287.
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