Mark Hayes

This SI Classic recalls the 1977 British Open, in which Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled in two of the best rounds of golf ever played

There were far worse problems than gators at Pensacola—you could lose a PGA card or fail to make the Top 60

The U.S. was missing a few big names at The Greenbrier, but the Europeans were soundly defeated again anyway

A tragicomic last round of the Bing Crosby saw leads disappear and putts roll without end until Lon Hinkle finally won on the third extra hole

It was the best two rounds of golf ever played, Watson and Nicklaus battling head to head in the British Open until youth overtook age on the next to last hole