On this day in 1972: Player won his second PGA Champ

Sport360 staff 12:19 06/08/2016
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  • Gary Player.

    Gary Player captured the sixth of his nine major titles on this day 44 years ago thanks to one of the greatest shots in major championship history.

    The South African great hit a shot on the 16th hole that landed in the rough.

    With his path obscured by willow trees, Player used a nine iron to hit the ball over the trees and onto the green.

    The now famed willow tree shot led to victory for Player and he captured his second PGA title and his first major in four years.

    The 37-year-old led by one stroke coming into the final day at Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit, and eventually secured victory two shots ahead of American duo Tommy Aaron and Jim Jamieson.

    Other memorable events to happen on this day

    1948: American Bob Mathias, 17, becomes youngest Olympic gold medalist winning the decathlon.

    2006: Britain’s Jenson Button clinches his first Formula One victory in his 113th race at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

    2009: Andy Roddick wins the 500th match of his career with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over Sam Querrey in the third round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

    Andy Roddick.

    Andy Roddick.

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