THE YEAR OF THE OLD SPORT : Three More Golden Oldies in Golf

Ray Floyd won his first U.S. Open this year at 43, becoming the oldest winner of the tournament since it began in 1895.

But it was hardly an upset.

Floyd also won the Walt Disney World tournament in October and had 1986 earnings of $380,508, the fourth straight year he has won more than $300,000. He’s not getting older; he’s getting richer.

More surprising was the Canadian Open victory in June of Bob Murphy, another 43-year-old. It was the first time he had won in 11 years.

Also ending a drought on the same day was Sandra Palmer, 45, who won the LPGA Mayflower tournament for her first victory since 1982.

“This is the ultimate, but there have been a lot of heartaches and frustrations and wondering if you should do something else,” she said.

Obviously not. She had eight other top 10 finishes in 1986.