Nicklaus Holds Off Two Hard Chargers

Golf historians rank Gene Sarazen’s 230-yard double-eagle at the 15th hole of the 1935 Masters as the tournament’s greatest shot.

And few among them would argue that Jack Nicklaus made the tournament’s greatest putt, at the 16th, in 1975.

It was a 40-footer over near-impossible terrain--the ball broke twice on its way to the cup. But when it rolled in, there was the 35-year-old Nicklaus, dancing jubilantly across the green, putter held high.

And on this day, he needed it.

That putt was the difference in a record fifth Masters championship for Nicklaus, who finished with a 68 and yet was pursued all day by fast-charging Johnny Miller and Hale Irwin.

Miller, who had shot a 65 the day before, shot a 66 and set a record of 131 strokes for the final 36 holes. Irwin, who shot a 64, finished tied for third. Tom Weiskopf had a last-day 70 and tied Miller for second at 277.

Miller and Weiskopf had a last chance to draw even at 18, as Nicklaus watched from the scorer’s tent.

Miller hit a nine-iron 20 feet from the cup. Weiskopf’s approach left him with an eight-foot putt. Both needed those putts to catch Nicklaus. Both missed and Nicklaus donned the green blazer a record fifth time.

He earned $40,000, Weiskopf and Miller $21,250 each.

Irwin began the final day with virtually no gallery. But as he began putting up red numbers on the scoreboard, thousands flocked to his game. He shot a 32-32, with four birdies on each nine. He made five putts estimated at 25 to 30 feet.

Also on this date: In 1910, Barney Oldfield, on a board track at the Motordrome in Playa del Rey, drove his race car at 105.56 mph, believed to be the first time anyone had exceeded 100 mph in California. . . . In 1954, Walter Alston’s debut as Dodger manager was spoiled by Willie Mays’ home run, Brooklyn losing to the New York Giants, 4-3. . . . In 1968, Don Drysdale, at 31, won his 191st game, passing Dazzy Vance as the all-time Dodger win leader.