GOLF

Only 22, Jerry Pate wedged himself in among the immortals of his sport by becoming the youngest player this side of Jack Nicklaus to win the U.S. Open.

BAG OF SURPRISES

In a year of startling firsts, PGA rookie Pate provided the No. 1 stunner by winning the U.S. Open with a dramatic shot from the rough on the final hole. Johnny Miller won his first British Open, but needed a mighty surge on the last day to overtake 19-year-old Severiano Ballesteros, who was challenging for his first major victory. And Judy Rankin became the first woman to pick up $100,000 in a year. The only unsurprising first was Nicklaus' No. 1 rank in earnings, a title he had taken seven times before.

Money kept pouring in for Nicklaus, who won $266,438.

Miller, who put together one of his sizzling final rounds—this time a 66—burst out of the pack to win the British Open.

Great Scott, George C. used a pattoned swing at the Crosby.

Arnold Palmer puttered to 115th place on the money list.

Rankin's accomplishments were nothing to shrug off. She won six LPGA tournaments and $150,734, a record for a woman.

Spain's Ballesteros almost bushwhacked his British Open rivals, then, with Manuel Pinero, beat the U.S. in the world Cup.

EIGHT PHOTOS