Iconic Royal Birkdale images: Arnold Palmer's Open win in 1961
Monday 10 July 2017 12:52, UK
We kick off our countdown of iconic Royal Birkdale images by remembering Arnold Palmer's landmark moment and victory in the 1961 Open.
Palmer was already a multiple major champion when he came to Southport, where the American produced a tournament-defining shot in horrendous conditions to claim a maiden Open victory.
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The King was two shots off the pace after an opening round played in strong winds, despite a majestic recovery after an errant tee shot at the 16th.
With his ball buried under blackberry bushes at the bottom of a sandy ditch, Palmer smashed his six-iron through the rough and left himself a close-range putt on the green.
That save amazed the crowds and would prove to be crucial, as Palmer went on to edge ahead and finish one clear of Dai Rees and claim the first of back-to-back Claret Jugs.
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