Philly Or Billy? I'll Take Casper

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Johnny Miller said, “Billy has the greatest pair of hands God every gave a human being.” Chi Chi Rodriquez was equally effusive, “Casper was the greatest putter I ever saw. When golf balls used to leave the factory, they prayed they would get to be putted by Billy.”

Casper, who was voted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978, was also voted into the San Diego Hall of Champions in 1963. Today, he lives in San Diego within hailing distance of Mickelson.

Billy Casper hpynotized both the courses and crowds.

Arnold Palmer was approaching his 37th birthday in 1966 when Casper defeated him to win that 1966 US Open. It’s said Palmer was never the same golfer following his collapse that June afternoon in San Francisco. Phil Mickelson was also 37 years old the day he made a six on the final hole at Winged Foot.

Mickelson is still 22 career victories short of Billy Casper. Maybe Phil will recoup from this US Open better than Arnie did in 1966, and someday get within hailing distance of Casper’s 51 tour wins. I wouldn't bet on it.        

Walter Hagen said, “a man can be lucky and win the US Open once. But anyone who wins the US Open twice has to be good.”  To say Billy Casper was good is an understatement. To say that he is the most underrated golfer of all time is not.