It was Player 's debut in the U.S. Open at age 22 .
Amid oppressive heat and high winds which created difficult scoring conditions , native Oklahoman Tommy Bolt won his only major championship , four strokes ahead of runner - up Gary Player .
It was runner - up 's debut in the U.S. Open at age 22 .
Amid oppressive heat and high winds which created difficult scoring conditions , native Oklahoman Tommy Bolt won his only major championship , four strokes ahead of runner - up Gary Player .