Larry Laoretti

Larry Laoretti, 53, of Jupiter, Fla., finished with rounds of 67 and 68 to win the U.S. Senior Open on the Old Course at Saucon Valley Country Club, in Bethlehem, Pa., by four strokes. It was the first victory for Laoretti, who spent most of his career as a club professional and didn't turn pro until the age of 50.

Dave Stockton and Jack Kiefer, the owner of a New Jersey practice range, shared the first-round lead at 4-under-par 67. Laoretti opened with 68 to trail by one, and a group of six players, including Gibby Gilbert, was one shot further back. Stockton's second-round 66 gave him a 36-hole total of 133, a new Senior Open record, and a three-stroke edge over Gilbert.

Simon Hobday, Jim Colbert and Al Geiberger were tied for third, four strokes behind Stockton, and defending champion Jack Nicklaus had a 3-under 68 to climb into a share of sixth place at 4-under 138.

Laoretti celebrated his 53rd birthday by shooting a four-under 67, the low score of the day, to take a one-stroke lead into the final round. While Stockton struggled to a 77 and Hobday fell back with 76, Geiberger's even-par 71 enabled him to take sole possession of second place at 5-under-par 208, just one stroke behind.