1964 Titleholders Championship

1964 Titleholders Championship
Tournament information
DatesApril 23–26, 1964
LocationAugusta, Georgia
Course(s)Augusta Country Club
Tour(s)LPGA Tour
FormatStroke play – 72 holes
Statistics
Par72[1]
Length6,300 yards (5,760 m)[1]
Prize fund$7,500
Winner's share$1,300
Champion
United States Marilynn Smith
289 (+1)
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Augusta  is located in the United States
Augusta 
Augusta 
Augusta  is located in Georgia
Augusta 
Augusta 

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.

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]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Marilyyn Smith wins Titleholders". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. April 27, 1964. p. 10.
  2. ^ "Happiness is Marilynn Smith". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. April 27, 1964. p. 2B.
  3. ^ a b "Topeka woman wins crown for 2nd time". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. UPI. April 27, 1964. p. 8.
  4. ^ a b "Record-breaking 66 puts Marilynn Smith in lead". Spartanburg Herald. South Carolina. Associated Press. April 25, 1964. p. 8.
  5. ^ "Marilynn Smith eyes title". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. UPI. April 25, 1964. p. 5.
  6. ^ "Titleholders lead held by Marilynn". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. South Carolina. Associated Press. April 26, 1964. p. C2.