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

The Greatest Upset in Golf History

In the annals of professional golf, few events have captured the imagination and left as lasting an impact as the 1955 U.S. Open. At the venerable Oakmont Country Club, a relatively unknown golfer named Jack Fleck pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in sports history, defeating the legendary Ben Hogan in an unforgettable 18-hole playoff.

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
File size	:	1132 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

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Hogan, a four-time U.S. Open champion and one of the greatest golfers of all time, was the heavy favorite heading into the tournament. He had won the event just two years prior and had dominated the sport for nearly a decade. Fleck, on the other hand, was a journeyman pro with only a handful of top-10 finishes to his name.

As the final round unfolded, Hogan held a two-shot lead over Fleck with just three holes to play. However, Fleck birdied the 16th and 17th holes to tie Hogan, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff.

In the playoff, Fleck played the round of his life. He hit fairways, sank putts, and never lost his composure. Hogan, on the other hand, seemed to be rattled by the pressure. He hit several errant shots and missed several key putts.

On the 18th hole, Fleck hit a perfect drive down the middle of the fairway. Hogan's drive, however, landed in the rough. Fleck's approach shot landed on the green, while Hogan's came up short. Fleck calmly two-putted for par, while Hogan missed a birdie putt that would have forced another playoff hole.

With that, Jack Fleck had pulled off the impossible. He had defeated Ben Hogan in a playoff to win the 1955 U.S. Open, becoming only the second golfer in history to defeat Hogan in a playoff.

The Legacy of the 1955 U.S. Open

The 1955 U.S. Open is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. It is a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and the fact that anything can happen on any given day.

Fleck's victory also had a profound impact on the game of golf. It showed that anyone, regardless of their name or reputation, can achieve greatness. It also inspired countless golfers to dream big and believe that they could achieve anything they set their minds to.

Today, the 1955 U.S. Open is still studied by golf historians and fans alike. It is a reminder of the power of the underdog and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

Jack Fleck's Story

Jack Fleck was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1921. He began playing golf at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the game.

After serving in the military during World War II, Fleck turned professional in 1947. He struggled to find success on the PGA Tour, but he never gave up on his dream of winning a major championship.

In 1955, Fleck's dream came true when he won the U.S. Open at Oakmont. He became a national hero overnight and was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

Fleck's victory had a profound impact on the game of golf. It showed that anyone, regardless of their name or reputation, can achieve greatness.

After his victory at Oakmont, Fleck continued to play professional golf for several years. He won a total of four PGA Tour events, including the 1959 Canadian Open.

Fleck retired from professional golf in 1967. He later worked as a golf instructor and course designer.

Jack Fleck passed away in 2015 at the age of 93. He is remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.

Ben Hogan's Story

Ben Hogan was born in Dublin, Texas in 1912. He began playing golf at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy.

Hogan turned professional in 1930 and quickly became one of the top golfers in the world. He won his first major championship, the PGA Championship, in 1946. He went on to win a total of nine major championships, including four U.S. Opens.

Hogan was known for his incredible determination and work ethic. He was also known for his signature swing, which was both powerful and precise.

In 1949, Hogan was involved in a horrific car accident that nearly ended his career. He suffered multiple fractures and injuries, and it took him several years to recover.

Despite the setbacks, Hogan returned to golf in 1950 and won the U.S. Open that year. He went on to win the Masters Tournament in 1951 and 1953, and the PGA Championship in 1951.

Hogan retired from professional golf in 1959. He later worked as a golf commentator and instructor.

Ben Hogan passed away in 1997 at the age of 84. He is remembered as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

The 1955 U.S. Open: A Play-by-Play

The 1955 U.S. Open was a thrilling event from start to finish. Here is a play-by-play of the final round and playoff:

Final Round

• Hogan takes a two-shot lead over Fleck with three holes to play.
• Fleck birdies the 16th and 17th holes to tie Hogan.
• Hogan and Fleck finish regulation tied at 287.

Playoff

• Fleck hits a perfect drive down the middle of the fairway on the 18th hole.
• Hogan's drive lands in the rough.
• Fleck's approach shot lands on the green, while Hogan's comes up short.
• Fleck calmly two-putts for par, while Hogan misses a birdie putt that would have forced another playoff hole.

Jack Fleck wins the 1955 U.S. Open in a playoff over Ben Hogan.

The 1955 U.S. Open was a truly unforgettable event. It is a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and the fact that anything can happen on any given day.

Jack Fleck's victory is a reminder that anyone, regardless of their name or reputation, can achieve greatness. It is also an inspiration to never give up on your dreams.

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
File size	:	1132 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE