1. 1962 Jack Nicklaus vs. Arnold Palmer
283-283 (Nicklaus won playoff, 71-74)

This was golf's equivalent of Ali-Frazier, and it took place in Palmer's backyard, at Oakmont, just 35 miles from his home-town of Latrobe, Pa. Palmer entered the Open as golf's undisputed No. 1, having already won the Masters and five other tournaments that year. But he knew that the rookie from Ohio was formidable.

"Everybody says I'm the favorite, but you'd better watch the fat boy," said Palmer. The King's premonition was dead-on. Nicklaus made up five strokes with 11 holes to play, then watched Palmer miss a 20-footer to win on 18.

In the playoff, Nicklaus darted out to a 4-shot lead and held on. In the end, Palmer 3-putted 10 greens, Nicklaus just one. Palmer out-played the kid for 90 holes, but lost it on the greens. Golf had a new king.

Credit: Bettman/Corbis