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Johnny Miller wins the PGA Tucson Open for the third straight year. He also wins the British Open by six strokes over Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros.

Judy Rankin becomes the first LPGA player to surpass $100,000 in earnings for one year, finishing with $150,734.

For the eighth and final time, Jack Nicklaus leads the PGA Tour in earnings.

Jack Nicklaus' tournament, The Memorial, is played for the first time.


Roger Maltbie wins in a playoff over Hale Irwin.

The USGA puts the robot "Iron Byron" to work measuring golf balls' initial velocities and distances. Struck at a clubhead speed of 106 mph, balls must travel no farther than 296 yards.

The British Women's Open is played for the first time. Jennifer Lee Smith wins. This event would become an LPGA Tour event in 1994 and a women's major in 2001.

Jan Stephenson captures her first LPGA victory, winning the Sarah Coventry.

Died This Year:

Fred McLeod, 1908 U.S. Open champion

Money Leaders:

PGA: Jack Nicklaus, $266,498.57
LPGA: Judy Rankin, $150,734
European: Seve Ballesteros Spain, £ 39,503

Scoring Leaders:

PGA (Vardon Trophy): Don January, 70.56
LPGA (Vare Trophy): Judy Rankin, 72.25

Men's Major Championship Winners:

The Masters: Raymond Floyd
U.S. Open: Jerry Pate
British Open: Johnny Miller
PGA Championship: Dave Stockton

Women's Major Championship Winners:

LPGA: Betty Burfeindt
U.S. Open: JoAnne Carner

Amateur Champions:

U.S.: Bill Sander
British: Dick Siderowf
U.S.

Women's: Donna Horton
British Women's: Cathy Panton

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