Watson almost retains his U.S. Open crown as well .
Watson almost loses by a shot to Larry Nelson , who holes a 60 - foot ( 18 m ) downhill putt on Oakmont 's 16th green on his way to victory .
Watson almost retains his U.S. Open crown as well , but loses by a shot to Larry Nelson , who holes a 60 - foot ( 18 m ) downhill putt on Oakmont 's 16th green on his way to victory .