1982: Craig Stadler wins the WSOG at Firestone CC over Raymond Floyd
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The 1982 season was a flourishing one for Craig Stadler, winning four tournaments including his sole major championship at the 1982 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
In a Heavyweight Bout, Craig Stadler Outlasted Ray Floyd in Sudden Death for The 82′ WSOG Title
In late August, “The Walrus” again came away with the 1982 World Series of Golf title in a heated heavyweight matchup with the 1980 World Series of Golf runner-up Raymond Floyd.
Stadler miraculously came back after shooting a 75 in the third round and, in turn, falling five shots back of the leaders.
It was the genius final round by Stadler that overtook the field when he carded a 65, the only bogey-less round of the event. He birdied four holes on the front including the first three to open the round.
Meanwhile, Floyd, who is usually strong with the lead was casually coasting his way to a Par 70. Stadler would birdie the fourteen hole to get the -5 under and just two strokes off the course record.
Floyd and Stadler were tied at -2 par for the event and going into a playoff.
The playoff extended all the way to the fourth extra hole when both players missed the 17th green. The difference depends on the golf gods, Stadler had a decent lie and Floyd had a horrid one.
Stadler put his ball to three feet while Floyd struggled blasting his ball 15 feet past the hole. Stadler took the title when he poured in his par putt on the 17th after Floyd missed his par putt.