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1982 - The Year in Golf, 1982

By Brent Kelley, About.com

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Once again, Tom Watson outduels Jack Nicklaus for a major. This time it's the U.S. Open (Watson's only Open win) at Pebble Beach, and Watson chips in on the 71st hole to seal the win.

Jim Simons wins the PGA Bing Crosby National Pro-Am with a TaylorMade Metalwood in his bag. The victory isn't the first by a Tour player carrying a metal wood (this one is), but Simons uses the club on TV, down the stretch, so it garners more attention. This victory is credited with leading PGA touring pros and amateurs to give more credence to the newfangled metal woods, and spells doom for the persimmon driver.
In winning his second PGA Championship, Raymond Floyd sets tournament records for 36 holes (132) and 54 holes (200), and ties the 18-hole record with a 63.

Wayne Levi wins the PGA Hawaiian Open using an orange golf ball.

Payne Stewart's first PGA Tour victory comes in the Quad Cities Open.

Juli Inkster wins her third straight U.S. Women's Amateur.

Kathy Whitworth wins her 83rd LPGA Tour event, breaking Mickey Wright's record. (Whitworth would finish with 88 victories.)

Money Leaders:
PGA: Craig Stadler, $446,462
Senior PGA: Miller Barber, $106,890
LPGA: JoAnne Carner, $310,400
European: Greg Norman, Australia, £ 66,405
Scoring Leaders:
PGA (Vardon Trophy): Tom Kite, 70.21
LPGA (Vare Trophy): JoAnne Carner, 71.49
Men's Major Championship Winners:
The Masters: Craig Stadler
U.S. Open: Tom Watson
British Open: Tom Watson
PGA Championship: Raymond Floyd
Women's Major Championship Winners:
LPGA: Jan Stephenson
U.S. Open: Janet Anderson
du Maurier: Sandra Haynie
Amateur Champions:
U.S.: Jay Sigel
British: Martin Thompson
U.S. Women's: Juli Inkster
British Women's: Kitrina Douglas

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