Fort Smith native and 1955 U.S. Open champion Jack Fleck died Friday at age 92. He was the oldest living U.S. Open champion.
Fleck is most famous for beating Ben Hogan in a playoff at The Olympic Club to capture his lone major championship. Hogan was in the clubhouse, expected to be the winner, but Fleck birdied two of his final four holes to force the playoff. He was in his first year on the PGA Tour.
The next day in the 18-hole playoff, Fleck shot a 69 and beat Hogan by three shots.
Fleck was born on Nov. 7, 1921 in Bettendorf, Iowa. He served in the Navy during World War II and within six months of his return was trying to qualify for the PGA Tour.
Fleck won two other events on tour (Phoenix Open-1960, Bakersfield Open-1961). He also won the Senior PGA Championship in 1979.
Fleck is survived by his wife, Carmen; his son, Craig; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.
According to the Associated Press, services are Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith.
