Dale Morey

In his first year of eligibility, Dale Morey, of High Point, N.C., defeated Lew Oehmig, the 1972 Champion from Lookout Mountain, Tenn., 4 and 2 in the final round at the Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

The defending Champion, Bill Hyndman, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., was eliminated by Oehmig in the third round, 1 up. Morey was runner-up to Gene Littler in the 1953 Amateur Championship, but he had never won a national Championship.

On his way to the final he defeated Ed Meister, of Willoughby, Ohio, 6 and 5; Wally Sezna, West Chester, Pa., 4 and 3; John Humm, Rockville Centre, N.Y., 2 up, and Ed Tutwiler, of Indianapolis, Ind., 3 and 2 in the semi-final round. Tutwiler was medalist in the 36-hole qualifying with 144, two over par.

Morey won four of the first five holes in the final round but Oehmig rallied and was only 1 down playing the 14th when he became involved in one of a series of Rules decisions that were made during the Championship; in all, Oehmig was party to three such incidents.

His tee shot on the 152-yard, par-3 hole came to rest within the confines of a water hazard. Electing to play the ball, because he was not entitled to relief without penalty, Oehmig took his stance and then soled his club. The Referee had no choice but to invoke Rule 33-1b and advise Oehmig that he had lost the hole.

Morey won the 15th hole to go 3 up with three to play. Oehmig conceded the 16th hole and the match to Morey. The entry of 743 set a new record.