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Press, Volume CI, Issue 29850, 16 June 1962, Page 5

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Littler In Lead

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) OAKMONT (Pennsylvania). June 15.

Gene Littler has a onestroke lead as play begins today in the second round of the United States open golf championship on the tough Oakmont Country Club course.

Littler yesterday scored a flawless, two-under-par 69 to take the first round lead in defence of his open title Littler, with only 27 holes of “sloppy” practice at Oakmont Country Club behind him. was on top of his game to snatch the lead from his fellow Americans. Bob Nichols and Bob Rosburg. Arnold'Palmer posted birdies on three of the final five holes—for a string of five straight threes—to finish with a par 71. which left him tied with several others two shots off the lead

In this group were Billy Maxwell. Bob Schoener. Frank Boynton. J C Goosie. who three-putted twice in bogeying the last three holes, and South Africa’s Gary Player, who is hoping to become the first foreign winner In 42 years The amateurs, Gene Francis and John Guenther, with the professional Jack Nicklaus. scored 72.

A record opening day gallery of 17,837 watched the play. Among the Australians. Bruce Crampton returned the best card for the day—7s.

Ranhltl Ladles’ Club.—Bogey match. A grade: Mrs S. McCann S down, on a countback from Mrs S Uhrbom. B grade: Mrs W. Marriner 10 down, on a countback from Mrs S. Grimmer.