1975:
Roger Maltbie wins for the second consecutive week on the PGA Tour. He beats
Mac McLendon by one shot.[1] Afterwards, Maltbie left his $40,000 winner's check behind in a bar.[2]
1977: Due to the PGA Tour labeling it a 'designated event',[3] Jack Nicklaus plays in the tournament for the first and only time. He finishes in second place two shots behind winner
Raymond Floyd.[4]
1978: One week after winning the
PGA Championship,
John Mahaffey also takes home the American Optical Classic title. He beats defending champion Raymond Floyd and the PGA Tour's only
optometrist,
Gil Morgan, by two shots.[5]
1986:
Gene Sauers defeats
Blaine McCallister on the third hole of a sudden death playoff for his first ever PGA Tour title after having to hole a par chip on the first playoff hole to avoid elimination.[6]
1989: Three years after suffering a tough luck playoff loss at Pleasant Valley, Blaine McCallister birdies the final two holes to win the 21st edition of the tournament by one shot over
Brad Faxon.[7]
1998:
Steve Pate wins the last edition of the tournament. He beat
Scott Hoch and
Bradley Hughes by one shot.[8] For Pate it was his first victory since a 1996 car accident.