The US Open: A History of Golf's Toughest Test

The Beginning of America’s Championship

The United States Open Championship, commonly known as the US Open, has established itself as one of golf’s four major championships and is widely regarded as the most difficult test in golf. First contested in 1895 at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island, the tournament has evolved from a one-day, 36-hole competition into a grueling four-day examination of a player’s physical skills and mental fortitude.

Early Days and Evolution

The inaugural US Open featured just ten professionals and one amateur playing 36 holes in a single day. Horace Rawlins, a 21-year-old Englishman, claimed the first championship and the $150 first prize. The early decades of the tournament were dominated by British players, with John McDermott becoming the first American-born champion in 1911.

As the tournament grew in prestige, the format expanded to 72 holes played over two days, and eventually to the current four-day format we know today. The trophy, a silver cup created by Tiffany & Co., has become one of the most coveted prizes in golf.

The USGA’s Philosophy

The United States Golf Association (USGA), which administers the US Open, has maintained a consistent philosophy for the tournament: to create the toughest test in golf. This typically involves:

1. Narrow fairways - Often half the width of a standard PGA Tour event
2. Punishing rough - Thick, dense grass that severely penalizes errant shots
3. Fast, firm greens - Putting surfaces that challenge even the steadiest nerves
4. Challenging course setups - Strategic placement of tees and pins to test every aspect of a player’s game

This demanding setup has led to the US Open being characterized by high scores relative to par, with even-par often being a competitive score for the week. The USGA’s approach has sometimes sparked controversy, with players occasionally criticizing course conditions, but it has remained true to its goal of identifying the most complete golfer.

Iconic Venues

The US Open has been played at some of America’s most storied golf courses, with several iconic venues featuring prominently in the championship’s rotation:

Pebble Beach Golf Links

The spectacular coastal layout in California has hosted the US Open six times, producing memorable champions including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods, who won by a record 15 strokes in 2000.

Oakmont Country Club

This Pennsylvania course is considered one of the most difficult in the world, with its fast greens and demanding layout. It has hosted the US Open nine times, with champions including Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller, and Dustin Johnson.

Pinehurst No. 2

The masterpiece of renowned architect Donald Ross has hosted three US Opens, most recently in 2014. Its crowned greens and natural sandhills setting create a unique challenge.

Winged Foot Golf Club

This New York venue has witnessed some of the US Open’s most dramatic finishes, including Phil Mickelson’s heartbreaking collapse on the 72nd hole in 2006.

Memorable Moments and Champions

The US Open has produced some of golf’s most indelible moments and celebrated champions:

Francis Ouimet’s Unlikely Victory (1913)

Twenty-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet, accompanied by his ten-year-old caddie Eddie Lowery, defeated British stars Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. This stunning upset helped popularize golf in America.

Ben Hogan’s Comeback (1950)

Just 16 months after a near-fatal car accident, Ben Hogan limped his way around Merion Golf Club to claim his second US Open title, including his famous 1-iron approach shot to the 18th green on the final day.

Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach (2000)

In perhaps the most dominant performance in major championship history, Tiger Woods demolished the field by 15 strokes, beginning his “Tiger Slam” of four consecutive major victories.

Multiple Champions

The record for most US Open victories is shared by four players who have each won four times:

• Willie Anderson (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905)
• Bobby Jones (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930)
• Ben Hogan (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)
• Jack Nicklaus (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)

The Modern Era

The US Open continues to evolve while maintaining its core identity as golf’s toughest test. Recent innovations include bringing the championship to new venues like Chambers Bay and Erin Hills, implementing more dynamic course setups, and using advanced technology for qualifying and scoring.

As we look to future US Open championships, the tournament’s rich history and commitment to challenging the world’s best golfers ensure that it will remain a centerpiece of the golf calendar and a true examination of championship golf.