U.S. Open (golf)

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U.S. Open
Tournament information
Established1895
Organized byUnited States Golf Association
Tour(s)PGA Tour
European Tour
Japan Golf Tour
FormatStroke play
Prize fundUS$20,000,000
Month playedJune
Tournament record score
Aggregate268 Rory McIlroy (2011)
To par−16 Rory McIlroy (2011)
−16 Brooks Koepka (2017)
Current champion
United States Wyndham Clark
2023 U.S. Open (golf)

The United States Open Championship, commonly known as the U.S. Open, is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. It is the third of the four men's major golf championships, and is on the official schedule of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. Since 1898 the competition has been 72 holes of stroke play (4 rounds on an 18-hole course), with the winner being the player with the lowest total number of strokes. It is staged by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in mid-June, scheduled so that, if there are no weather delays, the final round is played on the third Sunday. The U.S. Open is staged at a variety of courses, set up in such a way that scoring is very difficult, with a premium placed on accurate driving.[1][2] As of 2023, the U.S. Open awards a $20 million purse, the largest of all four major championships.[3]

History[edit]

The first U.S. Open was played on October 4, 1895, on a nine-hole course at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. It was a 36-hole competition and was played in a single day. Ten professionals and one amateur entered. The winner was Horace Rawlins, a 21-year-old Englishman, who had arrived in the U.S. earlier that year to take up a position at the host club. He received $150 cash out of a prize fund of $335, plus a $50 gold medal; his club received the Open Championship Cup trophy, which was presented by the USGA.[4][5]

In the beginning, the tournament was dominated by experienced British players until 1911, when John J. McDermott became the first native-born American winner. American golfers soon began to win regularly and the tournament evolved to become one of the four majors.

U.S. Open Trophy at the 2008 PGA Golf Show.

Since 1911, the title has been won mostly by players from the United States. Since 1950, players from only six countries other than the United States have won the championship, most notably South Africa, which has won five times since 1965.[citation needed] A streak of four consecutive non-American winners occurred from 2004 to 2007 for the first time since 1910. These four players, South African Retief Goosen (2004),[6] New Zealander Michael Campbell (2005),[7] Australian Geoff Ogilvy (2006)[8] and Argentine Ángel Cabrera (2007),[9] are all from countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell (2010) became the first European player to win the event[10] since Tony Jacklin of England in 1970; three more Europeans won in the next four editions, making it only three American wins in the 11 tournaments from 2004 to 2014.

U.S. Open play is characterized by tight scoring at or around par by the leaders, with the winner usually emerging at around even par. A U.S. Open course is seldom beaten severely, and there have been many over-par wins (in part because par is usually set at 70, except for the very longest courses). Normally, an Open course is quite long and will have a high cut of primary rough (termed "Open rough" by the American press and fans); undulating greens (such as at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2005, which was described by Johnny Miller of NBC as "like trying to hit a ball on top of a VW Beetle"); pinched fairways (especially on what are expected to be less difficult holes); and two or three holes that are short par fives under regular play would be used as long par fours during the tournament (often to meet that frequently used par of 70, forcing players to have accurate long drives). Some courses that are attempting to get into the rotation for the U.S. Open will undergo renovations to develop these features. Rees Jones is the most notable of the "Open Doctors" who take on these projects; his father Robert Trent Jones had filled that role earlier. As with any professional golf tournament, the available space surrounding the course (for spectators, among other considerations) and local infrastructure also factor into deciding which courses will host the event.

Qualification[edit]

The U.S. Open is open to any professional, or to any amateur with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4.[11] Players (male or female)[11] may obtain a place by being fully exempt or by competing successfully in qualifying. The field is 156 players.

About half of the field is made up of players who are fully exempt from qualifying. The current exemption categories are:[12][13]

  • Winners of the U.S. Open for the last ten years
  • Winner and runner-up from the previous year's U.S. Amateur and winners of the previous year's U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur[13]
    • The runner-up from the U.S. Amateur, the winner of the U.S. Junior Amateur, and U.S. Mid-Amateur must remain an amateur.
    • The winner of the U.S. Amateur, however, may turn professional after winning the U.S. Amateur and retain his eligibility.
  • Winner of the previous year's Amateur Championship[14]
  • The previous year's Mark H. McCormack Medal winner for the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world[14]
  • Winners of each of Masters Tournament, Open Championship and PGA Championship for the last five years
  • Winners of the last three Players Championships
  • Winner of the current year's BMW PGA Championship
  • Winner of the last U.S. Senior Open
  • Players who win multiple U.S. PGA Tour events during the time between tournaments, provided the tournaments each offer 500 or more points to the winner, and are not opposite-field events.
  • In the year after the Olympic golf tournament, the reigning men's gold medalist
  • Top 10 finishers and ties from the previous year's U.S. Open
  • Players who qualified for the previous year's Tour Championship
  • The top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) as of two weeks before the start of the tournament
  • The top 60 in the OWGR as of the tournament date
  • The top player in the PGA Tour second-tier developmental series points, based on combined points from the Regular Season and Finals, from the previous season (starting in 2023). [15]
  • Special exemptions selected by the USGA
  • All remaining spots after the second top 60 OWGR cutoff date filled by alternates from qualifying tournaments.

The exemptions for amateurs apply only if the players remain amateurs as of the tournament date, except for the U.S. Amateur champion. On August 5, 2019, the USGA announced a rule change stating a player may turn professional and still retain his U.S. Open exemption. Note that this tournament typically takes place after the collegiate season has ended, so players may turn professional immediately after their last collegiate event (typically the end of the NCAA final of their senior year) in order to maximize the number of FedEx Cup points they may score before the August cutoff to avoid qualifying school.[16]

Before 2011, the sole OWGR cutoff for entry was the top 50 as of two weeks before the tournament. An exemption category for the top 50 as of the tournament date was added for 2011, apparently in response to the phenomenon of golfers entering the top 50 between the original cutoff date and the tournament (such as Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler in 2010).[17]

Through 2011, exemptions existed for leading money winners on the PGA, European, Japanese, and Australasian tours, as well as winners of multiple PGA Tour events in the year before the U.S. Open. These categories were eliminated in favor of inviting the top 60 on the OWGR at both relevant dates.[17] Starting with the 2012 championship, an exemption was added for the winner of the current year's BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour's equivalent of The Players Championship.[18]

Potential competitors who are not fully exempt must enter the Qualifying process, which has two stages. Firstly there is Local Qualifying, which is played over 18 holes at more than 100 courses around the United States. Many leading players are exempt from this first stage, and they join the successful local qualifiers at the Sectional Qualifying stage, which is played over 36 holes in one day at several sites in the U.S., as well as one each in Europe and Japan. There is no lower age limit and the youngest-ever qualifier was 14-year-old Andy Zhang of China, who qualified in 2012 after Paul Casey withdrew days before the tournament.

USGA special exemptions[edit]

The USGA has granted a special exemption to 34 players 52 times since 1966.[19] Players with multiple special exemptions include: Arnold Palmer (1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1994), Seve Ballesteros (1978, 1994), Gary Player (1981, 1983), Lee Trevino (1983, 1984), Hale Irwin (1990, 2002, 2003), Jack Nicklaus (1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000), Tom Watson (1993, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2010).[20]

Irwin won the 1990 U.S. Open after accepting a special exemption. In 2016, a special exemption was extended to former champion Retief Goosen (2001, 2004).[21] In 2018, a special exemption was extended to former U.S. Open champions Jim Furyk (2003) and Ernie Els (1994, 1997).[22]

Prizes[edit]

The purse at the 2017 U.S. Open was $12 million, and the winner's share was $2.16 million. The European Tour uses conversion rates at the time of the tournament to calculate the official prize money used in their Race to Dubai (€10,745,927 in 2017).

In line with the other majors, winning the U.S. Open gives a golfer several privileges that make his career much more secure if he is not already one of the elite players of the sport. U.S. Open champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (the Masters, The Open Championship (British Open), and the PGA Championship) for the next five years. They are also automatically invited to play in The Players Championship for the next five years, and they are exempt from qualifying for the U.S. Open itself for 10 years.

Winners may also receive a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour, which is automatic for regular members. Non-PGA Tour members who win the U.S. Open have the choice of joining the PGA Tour either within 60 days of winning, or prior to the beginning of any one of the next five tour seasons.

Finally, U.S. Open winners receive automatic invitations to three of the five senior majors once they turn 50; they receive a five-year invitation to the U.S. Senior Open and a lifetime invitation to the Senior PGA Championship and Senior British Open.

The top 10 finishers at the U.S. Open are fully exempt from qualifying for the following year's Open, and the top four are automatically invited to the following season's Masters.

Playoff format[edit]

Up to 2017, the U.S. Open retained a full 18-hole playoff the following day (Monday). If a tie existed after that fifth round, then the playoff continued as sudden-death on the 91st hole. The U.S. Open advanced to sudden-death three times (1990, 1994, 2008), most recently when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate on the first additional playoff hole in 2008. Before sudden-death was introduced in the 1950s, additional 18-hole rounds were played (1925, 1939, and 1946) to break the tie. When the playoff was scheduled for 36 holes and ended in a tie, as in 1931, a second 36-hole playoff was required.

Since 2018, the USGA adopted a two-hole aggregate playoff format, after consulting fans, players and media partners. Sudden death will still be played if the playoff ends tied.[23]

Winners[edit]

Year Winner Score To par Margin of
victory
Runner(s)-up Winner's
share ($)
Venue Location
2023 United States Wyndham Clark 270 −10 1 stroke Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy 3,600,000 Los Angeles Country Club
(North Course)
Los Angeles, California
2022 England Matt Fitzpatrick 274 −6 1 stroke United States Scottie Scheffler
United States Will Zalatoris
3,150,000 The Country Club
(Composite Course)
Brookline, Massachusetts
2021 Spain Jon Rahm 278 −6 1 stroke South Africa Louis Oosthuizen 2,250,000 Torrey Pines
(South Course)
San Diego, California
2020 United States Bryson DeChambeau 274 −6 6 strokes United States Matthew Wolff 2,250,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
2019 United States Gary Woodland 271 −13 3 strokes United States Brooks Koepka 2,250,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
2018 United States Brooks Koepka (2) 281 +1 1 stroke England Tommy Fleetwood 2,160,000 Shinnecock Hills Shinnecock Hills, New York
2017 United States Brooks Koepka 272 −16 4 strokes Japan Hideki Matsuyama
United States Brian Harman
2,160,000 Erin Hills Erin, Wisconsin
2016 United States Dustin Johnson 276 −4 3 strokes United States Jim Furyk
Republic of Ireland Shane Lowry
United States Scott Piercy
1,800,000 Oakmont Oakmont, Pennsylvania
2015 United States Jordan Spieth 275 −5 1 stroke United States Dustin Johnson
South Africa Louis Oosthuizen
1,800,000 Chambers Bay University Place, Washington
2014 Germany Martin Kaymer 271 −9 8 strokes United States Erik Compton
United States Rickie Fowler
1,620,000 Pinehurst Resort
(Course No. 2)
Pinehurst, North Carolina
2013 England Justin Rose 281 +1 2 strokes Australia Jason Day
United States Phil Mickelson
1,440,000 Merion
(East Course)
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
2012 United States Webb Simpson 281 +1 1 stroke Northern Ireland Graeme McDowell
United States Michael Thompson
1,440,000 Olympic Club
(Lake Course)
San Francisco, California[a]
2011 Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy 268 −16 8 strokes Australia Jason Day 1,440,000 Congressional
(Blue Course)
Bethesda, Maryland
2010 Northern Ireland Graeme McDowell 284 E 1 stroke France Grégory Havret 1,350,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
2009 United States Lucas Glover 276 −4 2 strokes United States Ricky Barnes
United States David Duval
United States Phil Mickelson
1,350,000 Bethpage State Park
(Black Course)
Farmingdale, New York[b]
2008 United States Tiger Woods (3) 283 −1 Playoff United States Rocco Mediate 1,350,000 Torrey Pines
(South Course)
San Diego, California
2007 Argentina Ángel Cabrera 285 +5 1 stroke United States Jim Furyk
United States Tiger Woods
1,260,000 Oakmont Oakmont, Pennsylvania
2006 Australia Geoff Ogilvy 285 +5 1 stroke United States Jim Furyk
United States Phil Mickelson
Scotland Colin Montgomerie
1,225,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
2005 New Zealand Michael Campbell 280 E 2 strokes United States Tiger Woods 1,170,000 Pinehurst Resort
(Course No. 2)
Pinehurst, North Carolina
2004 South Africa Retief Goosen (2) 276 −4 2 strokes United States Phil Mickelson 1,125,000 Shinnecock Hills Shinnecock Hills, New York
2003 United States Jim Furyk 272 −8 3 strokes Australia Stephen Leaney 1,080,000 Olympia Fields
(North Course)
Olympia Fields, Illinois
2002 United States Tiger Woods (2) 277 −3 3 strokes United States Phil Mickelson 1,000,000 Bethpage State Park
(Black Course)
Farmingdale, New York[b]
2001 South Africa Retief Goosen 276 −4 Playoff United States Mark Brooks 900,000 Southern Hills Tulsa, Oklahoma
2000 United States Tiger Woods 272 −12 15 strokes South Africa Ernie Els
Spain Miguel Ángel Jiménez
800,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
1999 United States Payne Stewart (2) 279 −1 1 stroke United States Phil Mickelson 625,000 Pinehurst Resort
(Course No. 2)
Pinehurst, North Carolina
1998 United States Lee Janzen (2) 280 E 1 stroke United States Payne Stewart 535,000 Olympic Club
(Lake Course)
San Francisco, California[a]
1997 South Africa Ernie Els (2) 276 −4 1 stroke Scotland Colin Montgomerie 465,000 Congressional
(Blue Course)
Bethesda, Maryland
1996 United States Steve Jones 278 −2 1 stroke United States Tom Lehman
United States Davis Love III
425,000 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1995 United States Corey Pavin 280 E 2 strokes Australia Greg Norman 350,000 Shinnecock Hills Shinnecock Hills, New York
1994 South Africa Ernie Els 279 −5 Playoff Scotland Colin Montgomerie
United States Loren Roberts
320,000 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1993 United States Lee Janzen 272 −8 2 strokes United States Payne Stewart 290,000 Baltusrol
(Lower Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1992 United States Tom Kite 285 −3 2 strokes United States Jeff Sluman 275,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
1991 United States Payne Stewart 282 −6 Playoff United States Scott Simpson 235,000 Hazeltine National Chaska, Minnesota
1990 United States Hale Irwin (3) 280 −8 Playoff United States Mike Donald 220,000 Medinah
(Course No. 3)
Medinah, Illinois
1989 United States Curtis Strange (2) 278 −2 1 stroke United States Chip Beck
United States Mark McCumber
Wales Ian Woosnam
200,000 Oak Hill
(East Course)
Rochester, New York[c]
1988 United States Curtis Strange 278 −6 Playoff England Nick Faldo 180,000 The Country Club
(Composite Course)
Brookline, Massachusetts
1987 United States Scott Simpson 277 −3 1 stroke United States Tom Watson 150,000 Olympic Club
(Lake Course)
San Francisco, California[a]
1986 United States Raymond Floyd 279 −1 2 strokes United States Chip Beck
United States Lanny Wadkins
115,000 Shinnecock Hills Shinnecock Hills, New York
1985 United States Andy North (2) 279 −1 1 stroke Canada Dave Barr
Taiwan Chen Tze-chung
Zimbabwe Denis Watson
103,000 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1984 United States Fuzzy Zoeller 276 −4 Playoff Australia Greg Norman 94,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
1983 United States Larry Nelson 280 −4 1 stroke United States Tom Watson 72,000 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1982 United States Tom Watson 282 −6 2 strokes United States Jack Nicklaus 60,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
1981 Australia David Graham 273 −7 3 strokes United States George Burns
United States Bill Rogers
55,000 Merion
(East Course)
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
1980 United States Jack Nicklaus (4) 272 −8 2 strokes Japan Isao Aoki 55,000 Baltusrol
(Lower Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1979 United States Hale Irwin (2) 284 E 2 strokes United States Jerry Pate
South Africa Gary Player
50,000 Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio
1978 United States Andy North 285 +1 1 stroke United States J. C. Snead
United States Dave Stockton
45,000 Cherry Hills Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
1977 United States Hubert Green 278 −2 1 stroke United States Lou Graham 45,000 Southern Hills Tulsa, Oklahoma
1976 United States Jerry Pate 277 −3 2 strokes United States Al Geiberger
United States Tom Weiskopf
42,000 Atlanta Athletic Club
(Highlands Course)
Duluth, Georgia[d]
1975 United States Lou Graham 287 +3 Playoff United States John Mahaffey 40,000 Medinah
(Course No. 3)
Medinah, Illinois
1974 United States Hale Irwin 287 +7 2 strokes United States Forrest Fezler 35,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
1973 United States Johnny Miller 279 −5 1 stroke United States John Schlee 35,000 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1972 United States Jack Nicklaus (3) 290 +2 3 strokes Australia Bruce Crampton 30,000 Pebble Beach Pebble Beach, California
1971 United States Lee Trevino (2) 280 E Playoff United States Jack Nicklaus 30,000 Merion
(East Course)
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
1970 England Tony Jacklin 281 −7 7 strokes United States Dave Hill 30,000 Hazeltine National Chaska, Minnesota
1969 United States Orville Moody 281 +1 1 stroke United States Deane Beman
United States Al Geiberger
United States Bob Rosburg
30,000 Champions
(Cypress Creek Course)
Houston, Texas
1968 United States Lee Trevino 275 −5 4 strokes United States Jack Nicklaus 30,000 Oak Hill
(East Course)
Rochester, New York[c]
1967 United States Jack Nicklaus (2) 275 −5 4 strokes United States Arnold Palmer 30,000 Baltusrol
(Lower Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1966 United States Billy Casper (2) 278 −2 Playoff United States Arnold Palmer 26,500 Olympic Club
(Lake Course)
San Francisco, California[a]
1965 South Africa Gary Player 282 +2 Playoff Australia Kel Nagle 26,000 Bellerive St. Louis, Missouri[e]
1964 United States Ken Venturi 278 −2 4 strokes United States Tommy Jacobs 17,000 Congressional
(Blue Course)
Bethesda, Maryland
1963 United States Julius Boros (2) 293 +9 Playoff United States Jacky Cupit
United States Arnold Palmer
17,500 The Country Club
(Composite Course)
Brookline, Massachusetts
1962 United States Jack Nicklaus 283 −1 Playoff United States Arnold Palmer 17,500 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1961 United States Gene Littler 281 +1 1 stroke United States Bob Goalby
United States Doug Sanders
14,000 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1960 United States Arnold Palmer 280 −4 2 strokes United States Jack Nicklaus (a) 14,400 Cherry Hills Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
1959 United States Billy Casper 282 +2 1 stroke United States Bob Rosburg 12,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
1958 United States Tommy Bolt 283 +3 4 strokes South Africa Gary Player 8,000 Southern Hills Tulsa, Oklahoma
1957 United States Dick Mayer 282 +2 Playoff United States Cary Middlecoff 7,200 Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio
1956 United States Cary Middlecoff (2) 281 +1 1 stroke United States Julius Boros
United States Ben Hogan
6,000 Oak Hill
(East Course)
Rochester, New York[c]
1955 United States Jack Fleck 287 +7 Playoff United States Ben Hogan 6,000 Olympic Club
(Lake Course)
San Francisco, California[a]
1954 United States Ed Furgol 284 +4 1 stroke United States Gene Littler 6,000 Baltusrol
(Lower Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1953 United States Ben Hogan (4) 283 −5 6 strokes United States Sam Snead 5,000 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1952 United States Julius Boros 281 +1 4 strokes United States Ed Oliver 4,000 Northwood Club Dallas, Texas
1951 United States Ben Hogan (3) 287 +7 2 strokes United States Clayton Heafner 4,000 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1950 United States Ben Hogan (2) 287 +7 Playoff United States Lloyd Mangrum (2nd)
United States George Fazio (3rd)
4,000 Merion
(East Course)
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
1949 United States Cary Middlecoff 286 +2 1 stroke United States Clayton Heafner
United States Sam Snead
2,000 Medinah
(Course No. 3)
Medinah, Illinois
1948 United States Ben Hogan 276 −8 2 strokes United States Jimmy Demaret 2,000 Riviera Pacific Palisades, California[f]
1947 United States Lew Worsham 282 −2 Playoff United States Sam Snead 2,500 St. Louis Ladue, Missouri
1946 United States Lloyd Mangrum 284 −4 Playoff United States Vic Ghezzi
United States Byron Nelson
1,833 Canterbury Beachwood, Ohio
1942–1945: Cancelled due to World War II
1941 United States Craig Wood 284 +4 3 strokes United States Denny Shute 1,000 Colonial Fort Worth, Texas
1940 United States Lawson Little 287 −1 Playoff United States Gene Sarazen 1,000 Canterbury Beachwood, Ohio
1939 United States Byron Nelson 284 −4 Playoff United States Craig Wood (2nd)
United States Denny Shute (3rd)
1,000 Philadelphia
(Spring Mill Course)
Gladwyne, Pennsylvania
1938 United States Ralph Guldahl (2) 284 E 6 strokes United States Dick Metz 1,000 Cherry Hills Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
1937 United States Ralph Guldahl 281 +1 2 strokes United States Sam Snead 1,000 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1936 United States Tony Manero 282 −2 2 strokes England Harry Cooper 1,000 Baltusrol
(Upper Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1935 United States Sam Parks Jr. 299 +11 2 strokes Scotland Jimmy Thomson 1,000 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1934 United States Olin Dutra 293 +13 1 stroke United States Gene Sarazen 1,000 Merion
(East Course)
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
1933 United StatesJohnny Goodman (a) 287 −1 1 stroke United States Ralph Guldahl 1,000 North Shore Glenview, Illinois
1932 United States Gene Sarazen (2) 286 +6 3 strokes Scotland Bobby Cruickshank
England Philip Perkins
1,000 Fresh Meadow Queens, New York
1931 United States Billy Burke 292 +4 Playoff United States George Von Elm 1,750 Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio
1930 United States Bobby Jones (a) (4) 287 −1 2 strokes Scotland Macdonald Smith 1,000 Interlachen Edina, Minnesota
1929 United States Bobby Jones (a) (3) 294 Playoff United States Al Espinosa 1,000 Winged Foot
(West Course)
Mamaroneck, New York
1928 United States Johnny Farrell 294 Playoff United States Bobby Jones (a) 500 Olympia Fields
(North Course)
Olympia Fields, Illinois
1927 United States Tommy Armour 301 Playoff England Harry Cooper 500 Oakmont Plum, Pennsylvania
1926 United States Bobby Jones (a) (2) 293 1 stroke United States Joe Turnesa 500 Scioto Columbus, Ohio
1925 Scotland Willie Macfarlane 291 Playoff United States Bobby Jones (a) 500 Worcester Worcester, Massachusetts
1924 England Cyril Walker 297 3 strokes United States Bobby Jones (a) 500 Oakland Hills
(South Course)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1923 United States Bobby Jones (a) 296 Playoff Scotland Bobby Cruickshank 500 Inwood Inwood, New York
1922 United States Gene Sarazen 288 1 stroke Scotland John Black
United States Bobby Jones (a)
500 Skokie Glencoe, Illinois
1921 England Jim Barnes 289 9 strokes United States Walter Hagen
Scotland Fred McLeod
500 Columbia Chevy Chase, Maryland
1920 Jersey Ted Ray 295 1 stroke United States Jack Burke Sr.
United States Leo Diegel
United States Jock Hutchison
Jersey Harry Vardon
500 Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio
1919 United States Walter Hagen (2) 301 Playoff United States Mike Brady 500 Brae Burn
(Main Course)
West Newton, Massachusetts
1917–1918: Cancelled due to World War I
1916 United States Chick Evans (a) 286 2 strokes Scotland Jock Hutchison 300 The Minikahda Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
1915 United States Jerome Travers (a) 297 1 stroke United States Tom McNamara 300 Baltusrol
(Revised Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1914 United States Walter Hagen 290 1 stroke United States Chick Evans (a) 300 Midlothian Midlothian, Illinois
1913 United States Francis Ouimet (a) 304 Playoff Jersey Harry Vardon (2nd)
Jersey Ted Ray (3rd)
300 The Country Club Brookline, Massachusetts
1912 United States John McDermott (2) 294 2 strokes United States Tom McNamara 300 Country Club of Buffalo Buffalo, New York
1911 United States John McDermott 307 Playoff United States Mike Brady (2nd)
United States George Simpson (3rd)
300 Chicago Wheaton, Illinois
1910 Scotland Alex Smith (2) 298 Playoff United States John McDermott (2nd)
Scotland Macdonald Smith (3rd)
300 Philadelphia Cricket Club
(St. Martin's Course)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1909 England George Sargent 290 4 strokes United States Tom McNamara 300 Englewood Englewood, New Jersey
1908 Scotland Fred McLeod 322 Playoff Scotland Willie Smith 300 Myopia Hunt Club South Hamilton, Massachusetts
1907 Scotland Alec Ross 302 2 strokes England Gilbert Nicholls 300 Philadelphia Cricket Club
(St. Martin's Course)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1906 Scotland Alex Smith 295 7 strokes Scotland Willie Smith 300 Onwentsia Club Lake Forest, Illinois
1905 Scotland Willie Anderson (4) 314 2 strokes Scotland Alex Smith 200 Myopia Hunt Club South Hamilton, Massachusetts
1904 Scotland Willie Anderson (3) 303 4 strokes England Gilbert Nicholls 200 Glen View Club Golf, Illinois
1903 Scotland Willie Anderson (2) 307 Playoff Scotland David Brown 200 Baltusrol
(Original Course)
Springfield, New Jersey
1902 Scotland Laurie Auchterlonie 307 6 strokes Scotland Stewart Gardner
United States Walter Travis (a)
200 Garden City Garden City, New York
1901 Scotland Willie Anderson 331 Playoff Scotland Alex Smith 200 Myopia Hunt Club South Hamilton, Massachusetts
1900 Jersey Harry Vardon 313 2 strokes England John Henry Taylor 200 Chicago Wheaton, Illinois
1899 Scotland Willie Smith 315 11 strokes Scotland Val Fitzjohn
Scotland George Low Sr.
England Bert Way
150 Baltimore
(Roland Park Course)
Baltimore, Maryland
1898 Scotland Fred Herd 328 7 strokes Scotland Alex Smith 150 Myopia Hunt Club South Hamilton, Massachusetts
1897 England Joe Lloyd 162 1 stroke Scotland Willie Anderson 150 Chicago Wheaton, Illinois
1896 Scotland James Foulis 152 3 strokes England Horace Rawlins 150 Shinnecock Hills Shinnecock Hills, New York
1895 England Horace Rawlins 173 2 strokes Scotland Willie Dunn 150 Newport Newport, Rhode Island

Summary by course, state and region[edit]

The U.S. Open has been played on 52 different golf courses; 22 in the Northeast, 18 in the Midwest, 6 in the South, and 6 in the West.

Legend
State totals – preceding courses are in that state
Division totals – Divisions as defined by U.S. Census Bureau
Region totals – each is composed of 2 or 3 divisions
Total U.S. Opens
Col. 4 shows larger region which contains entity in col. 1
Course/State/Region No. Years hosted Geog.
sort
Myopia Hunt Club 4 1908, 1905, 1901, 1898 MA
The Country Club 4 2022, 1988, 1963, 1913 MA
Worcester Country Club 1 1925 MA
Brae Burn Country Club 1 1919 MA
Total Massachusetts 10 NewEng
Newport Country Club 1 1895 RI
Total Rhode Island 1 NewEng
Total New England 11 NEast
Winged Foot Golf Club 6 2020, 2006, 1984, 1974, 1959, 1929 NY
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club 5 2018, 2004, 1995, 1986, 1896 NY
Oak Hill Country Club 3 1989, 1968, 1956 NY
Bethpage Black Course 2 2009, 2002 NY
Fresh Meadow Country Club 1 1932 NY
Inwood Country Club 1 1923 NY
Country Club of Buffalo 1 1912 NY
Garden City Golf Club 1 1902 NY
Total New York 20 MidAtl
Oakmont Country Club 9 2016, 2007, 1994, 1983, 1973,
1962, 1953, 1935, 1927
PA
Merion Golf Club 5 2013, 1981, 1971, 1950, 1934 PA
Philadelphia Cricket Club 2 1910, 1907 PA
Philadelphia Country Club 1 1939 PA
Total Pennsylvania 17 MidAtl
Baltusrol Golf Club 7 1993, 1980, 1967, 1954, 1936,
1915, 1903
NJ
Englewood Golf Club 1 1909 NJ
Total New Jersey 8 MidAtl
Congressional Country Club 3 2011, 1997, 1964 MD
Baltimore Country Club 1 1899 MD
Columbia Country Club 1 1921 MD
Total Maryland 5 MidAtl
Total Mid-Atlantic 49 NEast
Total Northeast 59 USA
Pinehurst Resort 3 2014, 2005, 1999 NC
Total North Carolina 3 SthAtl
Atlanta Athletic Club 1 1976 GA
Total Georgia 1 SthAtl
Total South Atlantic 4 South
Total East South Central 0 South
Southern Hills Country Club 3 2001, 1977, 1958 OK
Total Oklahoma 3 WSC
Champions Golf Club 1 1969 TX
Colonial Country Club 1 1941 TX
Northwood Club 1 1952 TX
Total Texas 3 WSC
Total West South Central 6 South
Total South 10 USA
Medinah Country Club 3 1990, 1975, 1949 IL
Chicago Golf Club 3 1911, 1900, 1897 IL
Olympia Fields Country Club 2 2003, 1928 IL
North Shore Country Club 1 1933 IL
Skokie Country Club 1 1922 IL
Midlothian Country Club 1 1914 IL
Onwentsia Club 1 1906 IL
Glen View Club 1 1904 IL
Total Illinois 13 ENC
Inverness Club 4 1979, 1957, 1931, 1920 OH
Canterbury Golf Club 2 1946, 1940 OH
Scioto Country Club 1 1926 OH
Total Ohio 7 ENC
Oakland Hills Country Club 6 1996, 1985, 1961, 1951, 1937,
1924
MI
Total Michigan 6 ENC
Total East North Central 26 Midwest
Hazeltine National Golf Club 2 1991, 1970 MN
Interlachen Country Club 1 1930 MN
The Minikahda Club 1 1916 MN
Total Minnesota 4 WNC
Bellerive Country Club 1 1965 MO
St. Louis Country Club 1 1947 MO
Total Missouri 2 WNC
Erin Hills 1 2017 WI
Total Wisconsin 1 WNC
Total West North Central 7 Midwest
Total Midwest 33 USA
Cherry Hills Country Club 3 1978, 1960, 1938 CO
Total Colorado 3 Mtn
Total Mountain 3 West
Pebble Beach Golf Links 6 2019, 2010, 2000, 1992, 1982,
1972
CA
Olympic Club 5 2012, 1998, 1987, 1966, 1955 CA
Torrey Pines Golf Course 2 2021, 2008 CA
Los Angeles Country Club 1 2023 CA
Riviera Country Club 1 1948 CA
Total California 15 Pac
Chambers Bay 1 2015 WA
Total Washington 1 Pac
Total Pacific 16 West
Total West 19 USA
Total U.S. Opens 123

The 18th state to host the tournament was Washington in 2015, followed by the 19th state, Wisconsin, in 2017.

Records[edit]

  • Oldest champion: Hale Irwin in 1990 at 45 years, 15 days.
  • Youngest champion: John McDermott in 1911 at 19 years, 315 days.
  • Oldest player to make the cut: Sam Snead in 1973 at 61 years old. He tied for 29th place.
  • Most victories: 4 by Willie Anderson 1901, 1903–1905; Bobby Jones 1923, 1926, 1929–30; Ben Hogan 1948, 1950–51, 1953; Jack Nicklaus 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980. NOTE: Hogan also won the 1942 Hale America National Open which was held jointly by the USGA, PGA and Chicago GA for the benefit of the Navy Relief Society and the USO.
  • Most consecutive victories: 3 by Willie Anderson 1903–1905.
  • Most consecutive victorious attempts: 3 by Ben Hogan 1948, 1950–51
  • Most consecutive attempts in top 2: 5 by Bobby Jones 1922–1926
  • Most consecutive attempts in top 5: 6 by Willie Anderson 1901–1906
  • Most consecutive attempts in top 10: 16 by Ben Hogan 1940–1960 (next highest streak 7)
  • Most runner-up finishes: Phil Mickelson – 6 (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013)
  • Most consecutive Opens started: 44 by Jack Nicklaus from 1957 to 2000.
  • Largest margin of victory: 15 strokes by Tiger Woods, 2000. This is the all-time record for all majors.
  • Lowest score for 36 holes: 130 – Martin Kaymer (65–65), rounds 1–2, 2014; Rickie Fowler (62-68), rounds 1-2, 2023.
  • Lowest score for 54 holes: 199 – Rory McIlroy (65–66–68), rounds 1–3, 2011; Louis Oosthuizen (66-66-67), rounds 2–4, 2015.
  • Lowest score for 72 holes: 268 – Rory McIlroy (65–66–68–69), rounds 1–4, 2011.
  • Most strokes under par for 72 holes: 16 under (268) by Rory McIlroy, 2011; 16 under (272) by Brooks Koepka, 2017.
  • Most strokes under par at any point in the tournament: 17 by Rory McIlroy, final round, 2011.[24]
  • Lowest score for 18 holes: 62 – Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele, 1st round, 2023.
  • Lowest score for 18 holes in relation to par: 9 under (63) – Justin Thomas, 3rd round, 2017.
  • All four rounds under par (golfers who did not win the tournament in italics):[25]
  • All four rounds under 70: Trevino, 1968; Janzen, 1993; McIlroy, 2011.[24]
  • Most frequent venues:

There is an extensive records section on the official U.S. Open website.[26]

Broadcasting[edit]

Beginning with the 2020 tournament, NBCUniversal holds domestic television rights (with coverage on NBC, USA Network and Peacock), having taken over the remainder of the 12-year deal with the USGA signed by Fox Sports in 2013 that gave it exclusive rights to USGA championships from 2015 through 2026. With the postponed 2020 U.S. Open Championship presenting a significant scheduling challenge due to its other fall sports commitments, Fox had held discussions with the USGA over broadcasting the tournament on their cable network FS1 or partnering with NBC. Ultimately, the issues led the network to transfer the final seven years of its contract entirely.[27][28][29] In 2020 and 2021, early round NBC cable coverage was carried on Golf Channel, beginning with the 2022 tournament this coverage was moved to the more available USA Network.[30]

Coverage was previously televised by NBC and ESPN through 2014. NBC's first period as rightsholder began in 1995; ABC held the broadcast rights from 1966 through 1994.[31]

In Australia, from 2015 Fox Sports Australia is the exclusive broadcaster of the U.S. open until 2018.[32]

Future sites[edit]

Year Edition Course Location Dates Previous championships hosted
2024 124th Pinehurst Resort, Course No. 2 Pinehurst, North Carolina June 13–16 1999, 2005, 2014
2025 125th Oakmont Country Club Plum, Pennsylvania June 12–15 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016
2026 126th Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Shinnecock Hills, New York June 18–21 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018
2027 127th Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach, California June 17–20 1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019
2028 128th Winged Foot Golf Club, West Course Mamaroneck, New York June 15–18 1929, 1959, 1974, 1984, 2006, 2020
2029 129th Pinehurst Resort, Course No. 2 Pinehurst, North Carolina TBD 1999, 2005, 2014, 2024
2030 130th Merion Golf Club, East Course Ardmore, Pennsylvania TBD 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, 2013
2031 131st Riviera Country Club Los Angeles, California TBD 1948
2032 132nd Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach, California TBD 1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019, 2027
2033 133rd Oakmont Country Club Plum, Pennsylvania TBD 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016, 2025
2034 134th Oakland Hills Country Club, South Course Bloomfield Hills, Michigan TBD 1924, 1937, 1951, 1961, 1985, 1996
2035 135th Pinehurst Resort, Course No. 2 Pinehurst, North Carolina TBD 1999, 2005, 2014, 2024, 2029
2036 136th Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Shinnecock Hills, New York TBD 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018, 2026
2037 137th Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach, California TBD 1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019, 2027, 2032
2038 138th The Country Club Brookline, Massachusetts TBD 1913, 1963, 1988, 2022
2039 139th Los Angeles Country Club, North Course Los Angeles, California TBD 2023
2040 140th Merion Golf Club, East Course Ardmore, Pennsylvania TBD 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, 2013, 2030
2041 141st Pinehurst Resort, Course No. 2 Pinehurst, North Carolina TBD 1999, 2005, 2014, 2024, 2029, 2035
2042 142nd Oakmont Country Club Plum, Pennsylvania TBD 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016, 2025, 2033
2043 143rd TBD TBD TBD TBD
2044 144th Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach, California TBD 1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019, 2027, 2032, 2037
2045 145th TBD TBD TBD TBD
2046 146th TBD TBD TBD TBD
2047 147th Pinehurst Resort, Course No. 2 Pinehurst, North Carolina TBD 1999, 2005, 2014, 2024, 2029, 2035, 2041
2048 148th TBD TBD TBD TBD
2049 149th Oakmont Country Club Plum, Pennsylvania TBD 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016, 2025, 2033, 2042
2050 150th Merion Golf Club, East Course Ardmore, Pennsylvania TBD 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, 2013, 2030, 2040
2051 151st Oakland Hills Country Club, South Course Bloomfield Hills, Michigan TBD 1924, 1937, 1951, 1961, 1985, 1996, 2034

Sources:[33]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e The course straddles the border between Daly City and San Francisco; the club's postal address is in San Francisco.
  2. ^ a b Most of the course lies within the hamlet of Old Bethpage, but the clubhouse is in Farmingdale, and the park has a Farmingdale postal address. Both places are within the Town of Oyster Bay.
  3. ^ a b c The club has a Rochester postal address, but is located in the adjacent town of Pittsford.
  4. ^ The club is located in a portion of the Duluth postal area that became part of the newly incorporated city of Johns Creek in 2006. Although the club is still served by the Duluth post office, it now lists its mailing address as Johns Creek.
  5. ^ The club has a St. Louis postal address, but is located in the Missouri suburb of Town and Country.
  6. ^ Pacific Palisades is a neighborhood within the city of Los Angeles that has a unique postal identity.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Schupak, Adam (February 1, 2021). "'We do go in with a game plan': USGA's John Bodenhamer talks U.S. Open setup at Torrey Pines". Golfweek. ...but it will provide us what we want to do at a U.S. Open and make a premium on driving.
  2. ^ Apstein, Stephanie (September 20, 2020). "Bryson DeChambeau Has Dedicated His Life to Winning His Way: 'And I'm not going to stop'". Sports Illustrated. And our U.S. Open DNA is about placing a premium on accuracy off the teeing area.
  3. ^ "U.S. Open raises prize money to $20 million, tops among majors". ESPN. June 14, 2023.
  4. ^ Brent Kelley. "First Winner of US Open Golf Tournament". About.com Sports.
  5. ^ "US Open Golf History | TicketCity Insider". blog.ticketcity.com.
  6. ^ "Retief Goosen". Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  7. ^ "Michael Campbell reacts to 2005 'underwhelming' US Open victory". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  8. ^ "Decade later, Ogilvy basks in U.S. Open win". ESPN.com. 2016-06-14. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  9. ^ "Angel Cabrera plays first competitive round of golf since being released from jail". GolfDigest.com. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  10. ^ Writer, Staff. "Golf: McDowell becomes first European in 40 years to win U.S. Open". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  11. ^ a b "112th U.S. Open Championship application form" (PDF). USGA. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 25, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  12. ^ "U.S. Open – Exemption List". USGA. Archived from the original on July 14, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
  13. ^ a b "U.S. Junior, Mid-Amateur Champs to Receive U.S. Open, Women's Open Exemptions" (Press release). USGA. October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  14. ^ a b "USGA - Changes Made To Exemptions For 2012 USGA Championships". USGA. February 23, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  15. ^ "USGA Adds Korn Ferry Tour Exemption for U.S. Open". USGA. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  16. ^ "New Exemption Changes for U.S. Women's and U.S. Amateur" (Press release). USGA. August 5, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  17. ^ a b "U.S. Open to expand world-ranking use". ESPN. Associated Press. February 5, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  18. ^ "USGA Announces Changes To Exemption Categories" (Press release). USGA. February 5, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  19. ^ "2012 U.S. Open Championship Media Guide" (PDF). United States Golf Association. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 22, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  20. ^ "U.S. Open: Special Exemptions". USGA. December 12, 2016.
  21. ^ Gray, Will (May 17, 2016). "Two-time champ Goosen gets U.S. Open exemption". Golf Channel.
  22. ^ Herrington, Ryan (March 14, 2018). "USGA gives Ernie Els, Jim Furyk special exemptions into 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills". Golf Digest.
  23. ^ "U.S. Open abandons 18 holes for 2-hole playoff". ESPN. Associated Press. February 26, 2018.
  24. ^ a b "Rory McIlroy runs away with Open title". ESPN. June 20, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  25. ^ Murray, Scott (June 19, 2011). "US Open 2011 – day four as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  26. ^ "U.S. Open History – Records". USGA. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  27. ^ Lavner, Ryan (29 June 2020). "NBC reacquires broadcast rights to USGA's full slate of championships". Golf Channel.
  28. ^ Baysinger, Tim (August 7, 2013). "Fox Sports Reaches Rights Deal for Golf's U.S. Open". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  29. ^ "Fox reportedly asks out of USGA deal; U.S. Open will return to NBC". Awful Announcing. 29 June 2020.
  30. ^ "NBC Sports to move some USGA, R&A golf programming to USA Network". November 2, 2021.
  31. ^ Rosaforte, Tim (June 27, 1994). "See Ya Later". Sports Illustrated. p. 49. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  32. ^ Knox, David (April 9, 2015). "Fox Sports tees off with more Golf". TV Tonight. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  33. ^ "United States Open: Future Sites".

External links[edit]