1964 Titleholders Championship
The 1964 Titleholders Championship was the 25th Titleholders Championship, held April 23–26 at Augusta Country Club in Augusta, Georgia. Reigning champion Marilynn Smith successfully defended her title, one stroke ahead of runner-up Mickey Wright.[1][2][3] The two had met in an 18-hole playoff the previous year which was decided on the final green. Wright had won the title in 1961 and 1962.
| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 23–26, 1964 |
| Location | Augusta, Georgia |
| Course(s) | Augusta Country Club |
| Tour(s) | LPGA Tour |
| Format | Stroke play – 72 holes |
| Statistics | |
| Par | 72[1] |
| Length | 6,300 yards (5,760 m)[1] |
| Prize fund | $7,500 |
| Winner's share | $1,300 |
| Champion | |
 Marilynn Smith | |
| 289 (+1) | |
It was the second and final major title for Smith.[1] Her second round 66 (−6) on Friday set several records for this championship, including lowest round, lowest score after 36 holes at 139 (−5),[4][5] 54 holes at 216 (even),[3] and 72 holes at 289 (+1).[1] Her Friday inward nine score of 31 was also a record, by two strokes.[4]
In the third round on Saturday, scores soared in the rain and cold wind. Smith's 77 (+5) kept the lead at an even-par 216 for 54 holes, three shots ahead of Wright.[6]
Final leaderboard
Sunday, April 26, 1964
| Place | Player | Country | Score | To par | Money ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marilynn Smith | United States | 73-66-77-73=289 | +1 | 1,300 |
| 2 | Mickey Wright | United States | 74-70-75-71=290 | +2 | 1,000 |
| 3 | Betsy Rawls | United States | 71-77-74-72=294 | +6 | 800 |
| T4 | Ruth Jessen | United States | 77-72-74-73=296 | +8 | 625 |
| Judy Kimball | United States | 71-72-78-75=296 | |||
| T6 | Clifford Ann Creed | United States | 75-69-79-74=297 | +9 | 500 |
| Shirley Englehorn | United States | 75-75-73-74=297 | |||
| 8 | Mary Mills | United States | 74-74-78-72=298 | +10 | 400 |
| 9 | Louise Suggs | United States | 73-73-76-77=299 | +11 | 350 |
| T10 | Marlene Hagge | United States | 75-72-78-75=300 | +12 | 275 |
| Sandra Haynie | United States | 74-75-76-75=300 | |||
| Judy Rankin | United States | 75-73-76-76=300 |
References
- "Marilyyn Smith wins Titleholders". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. April 27, 1964. p. 10.
- "Happiness is Marilynn Smith". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. April 27, 1964. p. 2B.
- "Topeka woman wins crown for 2nd time". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. UPI. April 27, 1964. p. 8.
- "Record-breaking 66 puts Marilynn Smith in lead". Spartanburg Herald. South Carolina. Associated Press. April 25, 1964. p. 8.
- "Marilynn Smith eyes title". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. UPI. April 25, 1964. p. 5.
- "Titleholders lead held by Marilynn". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. South Carolina. Associated Press. April 26, 1964. p. C2.