PGA Championship in Southern Hills, August 1970 Exactly 52 years ago, the 52nd edition of the PGA Championship was held. And the course was the same, that of the Southern Hills Country Club, which hosted the competition for the first time.
Obviously, everything else was very different, and by browsing the official program (if you want one, take a look at the memorabilia market) to get a precise idea of the August Major. At the beginning, we find a shower of ” welcome” from a large and heterogeneous group of personalities of the time: the Governor of Oklahoma, the Mayor of Tulsa, the President of the Southern Hills Board of Governors.
PGA Championship in Southern Hills, August 1970
There are 38, including Jack Nicklaus, with a reduced presence of pink shares, only two women (mirror of the times). Equally interesting is the roundup of advertisements in the sample program Julius Boros (three-time Major champion) praises the qualities of the Astroturf tees “which remain in championship condition all year round”
Lee Trevino, on the other hand, testimonial of Top Flite, was a great admirer of the “Faultless” ball. And, as a result, he praised the fact that the ball went straighter, was very precise and accurate on the green.
In general, all the ball manufacturers were convinced of the validity of the advertising investment in the tournament program. Titleist, Ben Hogan, Uniroyal and Wilson Staff presented their ball of the moment. Continuing we find the money list of the Tour for 1969.
Frank Beard won by posting with $ 175,224. Today, with that figure, he would sail well beyond the 400th position. To make another comparison, the prize for 21st place at the last Masters was $ 5,000 higher. Then enters Dean Adkisson, the professional owner at Southern Hills, who tells the path with all the pitfalls of him.
The most interesting hole (also according to Ben Hogan) was the par 4 of the 12. But how has the field changed? Today the course measures 7,481 yards, 519 more than August 52 years ago. But still, it doesn’t seem able to withstand the onslaught of modern day PGA Tour big hitters.
In 1970, thugs tee shot at about 275 yards on average. 46 yards “behind” Cameron Champ, the current leader of the special Tour rankings. Of course, this is not enough to detract from the beauty of this path. Max Homa, a few days ago, defined it as “one of the most beautiful fields where he has ever played” Today is moving day, the Southern Hills stage is ready for the show.