(SportsNetwork.com) - Jack Fleck, who defeated Ben Hogan in a playoff to win the 1955 U.S. Open Championship, passed away on Friday at the age of 92.
Fleck, who was playing in just his second U.S. Open and third major championship, overcame a nine-shot deficit after the first round en route to victory at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Fleck had three PGA Tour victories in all, and also won the PGA Seniors Championship a year before the creation of the Champions Tour.
"Jack was a great player who will always be remembered for winning in legendary fashion, capturing one of the most memorable tournaments in history of our game. He embodied the ideals of a U.S. Open champion for the remainder of his career. He also played a major role in the early years of the Champions Tour for which we are all indebted," said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem.
Along with his win at the 1955 U.S. Open, Fleck shared third at the 1960 U.S. Open and tied for seventh at the 1962 PGA Championship. His other victories were at the 1960 Phoenix Open and 1961 Bakersfield Open. All three wins came in playoffs as did his win at the PGA Seniors in 1979.
[SportsNetwork.com]
