The U.S. Open, the annual open national championship of golf in the United States, stands as one of the most revered and demanding tournaments in the sport. Dating back to 1895, it is the third of the four men's major golf championships. It's administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is played mid-June, with the final round typically played on the third Sunday of the month, barring weather delays. It is on the official schedule of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
The U.S. Open is known for its challenging course setups, which emphasize accurate driving and penalize errant shots with thick rough and fast greens. Since 1898, the format has been 72 holes of stroke play, which means the golfer with the lowest total score after four rounds (18 holes each) wins. The U.S. Open awards a substantial purse, which as of 2024, stands at $21.5 million, the largest of all the major championships.
The inaugural U.S. Open was a 36-hole competition played on October 4, 1895, at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. Only ten professionals and one amateur participated. Horace Rawlins, a 21-year-old Englishman, won the tournament and a $150 cash prize.
Throughout its history, the U.S. Open has produced numerous memorable moments and legendary champions. Several golfers have etched their names in the record books with multiple victories. Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus share the record for the most U.S. Open titles, with four wins each. Anderson holds the distinction of being the only golfer to win three consecutive U.S. Opens (1903-1905).
Other notable multiple winners include Tiger Woods and Hale Irwin, each with three victories. Woods is also one of a select few to win the U.S. Open wire-to-wire, leading the tournament from the first round to the last, a feat he accomplished twice (2000 and 2002).
The U.S. Open has also seen its share of milestones. John McDermott was the youngest winner at 19 years old in 1911, while Hale Irwin was the oldest at 45 years old in 1990. Rory McIlroy set the record for the lowest aggregate score in 2011 with a score of 268 and shares the record for the lowest score in relation to par (-16) with Brooks Koepka.
In recent years, the U.S. Open has continued to deliver thrilling finishes and unexpected champions. Bryson DeChambeau won the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Open. Other recent winners include Wyndham Clark (2023), Matt Fitzpatrick (2022), and Jon Rahm (2021).
The U.S. Open remains a true test of golfing skill, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under pressure. Its rich history and tradition of crowning deserving champions ensure its place as one of the most prestigious events in golf.
