U.S. Open Golf Winners – A Comprehensive Guide

by Luke Andrews, 30 March 2023

We delve into the rich history and unequalled challenges of the U.S. Open, an annual golf tournament that has captivated the world for over a century. As one of the four major golf championships, this prestigious event has seen the rise of legendary players and unforgettable milestones. In this article, we will take you through the list of past winners, revisit significant moments, and explore the tournament’s format and course design intricacies.

The U.S. Open is an annual golf tournament held in mid-June and is the third of the four golf majors to be played and is extremely popular with golf betting fans. The landmark event has been featured for over a century, producing legends in the decorated game of golf.

The inaugural U.S. Open took place on October 4, 1895, at a nine-hole course in Newport, Rhode Island, and was won by Horace Rawlins, an Englishman who had moved to the United States earlier that year. In this article, we list the winners, and re-live significant milestones.

The games’ format consists of four sets of 72 holes of stroke play. The United States Golf Association (USGA) hosts the tournament, creating challenging courses that prioritise accurate driving to bring out the best in the players. The prize for the U.S. Open will increase to £14.2 million this year, making it the biggest of the four major competitions.

Experienced British players had dominated the U.S Open golf Championship since its inauguration until 1911, when John J. McDermott became the first American to win. The McDermott win opened the door for American domination, with more American players winning, eventually raising the game’s popularity and significance to become one of the four major tournaments.

After a slow start, American athletes have since dominated the competition boasting the most winners since 1911.

The diversity of the winners became liberal to other nations after 1950, with the United Kingdom (North Ireland, Scotland, England), Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Argentina and South Africa triumphing after just three nations (England, USA, and Scotland) triumphing since its inauguration till the mid-’90s.

From 2004 to 2007, four non-American champions won the edition, which marked the longest streak of winners without the host nation triumphing, all from countries in the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand).

The U.S. Open is a challenging golf tournament with a demanding course that is usually long, with high rough, undulating greens, pinched fairways, and shorter holes played as longer par fours. The difficulty of the course is why victories over par are typical, although the par is usually set at 70.

The golf courses that are eyeing to host the competition in the near future will undergo renovations, including adding certain elements to make it more difficult.

The build at LACC is well underway! 👀 pic.twitter.com/azjFGOONWf

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) March 29, 2023

Rees Jones, a well-known golf course architect, is leading these efforts. The selection of courses for the U.S. Open considers factors such as available space and local facilities that can guarantee a successful event, like any professional golf event.

The First U.S. Open and Its Winner, Horace Rawlins

The U.S. Open golf tournament is one of the most decorated sports events, boasting a long and impressive history dating back to 1895.

On October 4 of that year, the inaugural U.S. Open occurred at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. Horace Rawlins, a young promising British golfer, won to write his name as the first-ever winner of the tournament. Rawlins’ victory started a long list of esteemed U.S. Open golf winners who have continued to make history in this iconic tournament.

Born in England in 1874, Horace Rawlins served as an assistant golf pro at the Newport Country Club, where he worked tirelessly honing his skills. When the first U.S. Open golf tournament was held, Rawlins was one of only 11 players who signed up to compete in the 36-hole event. Despite being a relatively unknown player, Rawlins defied the odds to triumph to beat some of the most famous names to succeed.

In the early days, the tournament’s course featured only nine holes and required the players to complete two rounds to finish the 36-hole event. Nevertheless, Horace Rawlins secured his place among the list of U.S. Golf Open winners by performing impressively. After shooting 91 in the first round, the maestro was tied for second place with several other players, trailing behind the leader, Willie Dunn Jr, who scored 89. However, Rawlins returned strong in the second round, shooting an improved score of 82, which improved his total to 173 and a one-stroke victory over the leader Dunn in the first round cementing his place in U.S. Golf Open history as the first-ever winner.

Rawlins’ success in becoming one of the early U.S. Open winners was good news, not only for himself but also for the growth of the sport in the United States. During that time, it was still a relatively novel activity in America, and the U.S. Open was only the second national golf championship held in the country. Rawlins’ triumph helped to boost the sport’s popularity and solidify its status as a legitimate and respected athletic pursuit in the United States.

Until 1911, the U.S. Open champions were all British. Seated with the piercing eyes and fabulous mustache is the first winner Horace Rawlins, in 1895. Above him wearing the bow tie is 4-time champion Willie Anderson, with his arm draped round Alex Smith, winner in 1906. pic.twitter.com/4k3nsdTDew

— Stephen Proctor (@SProctorGolf) March 20, 2021

Although Rawlins’ triumph at the U.S. Open as one of the historic U.S. Open winners was a defining moment of his career, his time as a professional golfer was brief. He remained an assistant golf pro at the Newport Country Club for a few more years before returning to his native England. Rawlins participated in a handful of golf tournaments after his U.S. Open victory, but he could never replicate that accomplishment as he did early in his career. Sadly, the maestro passed away in 1935 at 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of the notable U.S. Open winners in golf.

Although Horace Rawlins’ name may not be as well-known now as some other legendary golfers who have won the U.S. Open, the trailblazer’s victory in the inaugural tournament helped establish the tournament’s prestige and set the stage for the many great champions who would follow in his footsteps. The U.S. Open remains one of the most coveted titles in golf.

Rawlins’ name will forever be etched in its history as the tournament’s first champion.

Significant Milestones In The Championship History

The U.S. Open has a rich history that spans over a century, with many significant milestones that have helped shape the tournament into the prestigious event it is today. Here are some of the most critical junctures in the championship’s history:

1895: The Inaugural U.S. Open

The first U.S. Open was held on October 4, 1895, at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. Only 11 players entered the tournament, which was won by Horace Rawlins, a British golfer who worked as an assistant pro at the club.

1913: Francis Ouimet’s Shocking Victory

The victory of Francis Ouimet in the 1913 U.S. Open golf tournament is considered one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history. Ouimet, an amateur with little recognition, defeated two experienced professional golfers, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, in a playoff to emerge victorious. This achievement made Ouimet write his name in the prestigious U.S. Open Golf winners list.

1926: Bobby Jones’ Grand Slam

One notable golf U.S. Open winner is Bobby Jones, with four victories. Of all his outstanding achievements and incredible career, the 1926 triumph is a significant milestone in golf history. The maestro became the first golfer to accomplish the Grand Slam, winning the U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur, and British Amateur in the same year.

1950: Ben Hogan’s Comeback

One notable U.S. Open golf winner is Ben Hogan, who achieved an incredible feat in the 1950 tournament. After a severe car accident that could have ended his career and his life, Hogan defied the odds and made a remarkable comeback. Just 16 months after the accident that left him with life-threatening injuries, Hogan won the 1950 U.S. Open, widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks and achievements in golf history.

Stumbled across this amazing old footage of Hogan the other day.

Pour some coffee and play it on repeat. No better way to start the day 🙌 pic.twitter.com/p8v5p0P9UX

— LKD (@LukeKerrDineen) May 5, 2022

1960: Arnold Palmer’s Charge

Arnold Palmer had a significant comeback, not from a life-threatening injury like Ben Hogan, but on the golf course, which is regarded as the best in golf history to go ahead and win the edition. Despite trailing the leader by seven strokes with only nine holes to play, Palmer’s spectacular performance included six birdies on the final nine holes, leading him to victory. This victory secured Palmer’s place in the impressive U.S. Open golf amateur winners list.

2008: Tiger Woods’ Playoff Victory

The 2008 U.S. Open witnessed one of the most dramatic victories in the tournament’s history, which kept US Open betting fans on the edge of their seats. Tiger Woods played with a fractured leg and torn ACL; the American forced a playoff against Rocco Mediate, which he ultimately won on the 19th hole. A remarkable win added Woods to the list of past U.S. Open golf winners who have achieved notable milestones. The tournament has a rich history of producing unforgettable moments and crowning great champions year after year, further solidifying its status as one of the most prestigious events in golf.

List Of U.S Open Winners

The history of the U.S. Open dates back to 1895, making it one of the oldest and most esteemed golf championships worldwide. Over the years, the tournament promoted diversity by encouraging numerous great golfers from around the globe, with many of the sport’s most historic achievements and memorable moments taking place on its fairways. Here is a U.S. list of winners since 1966 featuring winners by year and their nationalities and scores.

Notable Achievements And Records Held By The Champions

Willie Anderson is top of the list of the most notable and successful winners. The maestro is the record winner of the competition with five victories. They include another impressive record of four consecutive wins between 1903 and 1905, with his fifth victory coming in 1907.

Another remarkable achievement was by Ben Hogan in 1950, known as the “Hogan Slam,” when he won the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship in the same year. Only a few select golfers have accomplished this feat since.

Tiger Woods, perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, has also left his mark on the U.S. Open record books. In 2000, he won the tournament by a record-breaking 15 strokes, finishing with a score of 12-under par, which stands as the record for the lowest total score. He has won the tournament three times, along with 14 other major championships.

The winners of the US Open—100 years apart—Tiger Woods in 2000 and Harry Vardon in 1900. Tiger’s score of 272 was 41 shots better than Vardon’s. This kind of improvement leave some in the game disdainful of the equal progress in equipment, attire, agronomy, athleticism and form. pic.twitter.com/ShenPm165I

— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) December 27, 2020

Jack Nicklaus, another all-time great, has won the U.S. Open four times, along with 18 other major championships. He is the oldest player to have ever won the tournament at 46 in 1986. His incredible longevity and consistency throughout his career make him one of history’s most respected and admired golfers.

In recent years, there have been several notable achievements by U.S. Open champions. Brooks Koepka won the tournament in 2017 and 2018, becoming the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-1989 to win the tournament back-to-back. Koepka also finished second in 2019 and tied for fourth in 2020, further cementing his status as one of the game’s top players.

In 2021, Jon Rahm became the first Spanish golfer to win the U.S. Open, finishing the tournament at 6-under par. His victory was awe-inspiring, given that he had to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament two weeks prior due to a positive COVID-19 test. Rahm’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity were emblematic of the U.S. Open’s spirit and ethos.

These are just a few examples of the many notable achievements and records held by U.S. Open champions throughout history. The tournament remains one of the most fiercely contested and prestigious events in golf, and each year’s winner adds another chapter to its storied history.

Adam Scott is one of the Australian U.S. Open golf winners, having won the tournament in 2013.

Rory McIlroy is among the U.S. Open golf winners, having triumphed in 2011 with a record-setting score of 16-under par.

Bobby Jones, a renowned amateur golfer, is among the notable U.S. Open golf amateur winners, having won the tournament four times between 1923 and 1930.

Golfers With The Most U.S. Open Victories

The U.S. Open is one of the most important golf tournaments in the world, and over the years, there have been many great champions. Among the most successful are Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus, each of whom has won the tournament multiple times.

Willie Anderson is one of the most successful golfers in U.S. Open history, having won the tournament four times between 1901 and 1905. He won it again in 1907, becoming the first golfer to win the U.S. Open four times. Anderson was known for his accuracy and consistency; his record of four U.S. Open victories stood for over 40 years.

Bobby Jones is another golfer with a storied U.S. Open career. He won the tournament four times between 1923 and 1930, including a remarkable victory in 1930 when he completed the “Grand Slam” by winning all four major championships in the same year. Jones is also known for his role in the founding of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters’ Tournament, which have become two of the most important events in golf.

Ben Hogan is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, and he won the U.S. Open four times between 1948 and 1953. Hogan’s 1950 victory is particularly noteworthy, as he won the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship in the same year, becoming one of only a few golfers to complete the “Grand Slam” in their career. Hogan’s remarkable consistency and precision have made him a legend in the sport.

Jack Nicklaus is the most successful golfer in U.S. Open history, having won the tournament four times between 1962 and 1980. Nicklaus is also known for his incredible success in other major championships, including six victories at the Masters and five at the PGA Championship. His total of 18 major championship victories is a record that still stands today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

OTD 1962: Jack Nicklaus (+900) defeats +500 favorite Arnold Palmer and wins the US Open at Oakmontpic.twitter.com/1FT9tUhDDF

— Bet The Greens (@betthegreens) June 17, 2022

Each of these golfers has left an indelible mark on the history of the U.S. Open and the sport of golf. In addition, their impressive accomplishments serve as a reminder of the incredible skill and determination required to succeed at the highest level of competition.

Whether it is the accuracy and consistency of Willie Anderson, the all-around greatness of Bobby Jones, the precision and focus of Ben Hogan, or the sheer dominance of Jack Nicklaus, these golfers have set the standard for excellence in the sport and continue to inspire players around the world today.

Overview Of The U.S. Open Prize Money

The U.S. Open is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and its prize money reflects its status. The tournament has grown significantly in prize money over the years, with the total purse increasing from just a few thousand dollars in the early years to millions today.

The first U.S. Open was held in 1895, and the winner, Horace Rawlins, received £121.39 ($150) for his efforts. Over the next few decades, the prize money remained relatively modest, with winners typically receiving a few thousand dollars. However, the prize money increased as the tournament grew in popularity and prestige.

By the 1980s, the U.S. Open had become a major sporting event with a significant following, and the prize money began to reflect this. In 1982, the total purse for the U.S. Open was £404, 309.93 ($500,000), with the winner receiving £81,000. By 1997, the total purse had increased to £2,020,549.67 ($2.5 million), with the winner receiving £364, 320.94 ($450,000).

In recent years, the prize money for the U.S. Open has grown even further. In 2021, the total purse was £10,120,000 ($12.5 million), with the winner receiving a whopping £1,820,000 ($2.25 million). This represents a significant increase from just a few years earlier when the total purse was £8,100,000 ($10 million) in 2018.

The growth of U.S. Open prize money reflects the tournament’s increasing popularity and commercial success. As the game has become a major event for golf fans worldwide, sponsors and advertisers have been willing to invest more in the tournament, leading to a corresponding increase in prize money.

However, the growth of U.S. Open prize money has also been driven by the players themselves. As top golfers have become more successful and influential, they have demanded higher performance payouts. This has pressured tournament organisers to increase the prize money to attract the best players and maintain the tournament’s status as a top-tier event.

Overall, the growth of U.S. Open prize money reflects the tournament’s enduring popularity and importance in the world of golf. As the game continues attracting the best players in the world and attracting huge audiences, the prize money will likely continue to increase in the coming years.

Comparison With Other Major Golf Championships

The U.S. Open is one of the four major golf championships, alongside The Masters, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. Each of these tournaments has its unique history and traditions, but they are all considered among the most prestigious events in the world of golf. One key aspect of these major championships is the prize money on offer. While winning a major title is a significant achievement in its own right, the monetary rewards for the players can also be substantial.

Compared with the other major championships, the U.S. Open generally offers a similar level of prize money.

A Lim Kim earned $1,000,000 with her victory at the U.S. Women’s Open.

The prize money payout for each golfer in Houston: https://golf.com/news/2020-us-womens-open-purse/ pic.twitter.com/yWmRxd8r0Z

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) December 14, 2020

In 2021, for example, the U.S. Open had a total purse of £10,148,418.59 ($12.5 million), while The Masters offered a whole bag of £9,336,913.09 ($11.5 million), The Open Championship had a total purse of £8,728,383.98 ($10.75 million), and the PGA Championship had a total purse of £8,928,409.28 ($11 million).

However, there are some differences in how the players distribute the prize money. For example, at The Masters, the winner receives a larger share of the total purse than at the other major championships. In 2021, Hideki Matsuyama received £1,680,644.35 ($2.07 million) for his victory at The Masters, while Bryson DeChambeau received £1,826,787.34 ($2.25 million) for winning the U.S. Open.

Another factor to consider is the overall growth in prize money at major championships over the years. In general, the prize money has increased significantly across all major golf tournaments, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and commercial success.

For example, in 1990, the total purse for the U.S. Open was just £1,218,321.76 ($1.5 million), with the winner receiving £190,707.47 ($235,000). By 2021, the total purse had increased to £10,406,811.36 ($12.5 million), with the winner receiving over $2 million. Similarly, in 1990, The Masters had a whole bag of £1,218,321.76 ($1.5 million), with the winner receiving $270,000. By 2021, the total purse had increased to £9,440,995.72 ($11.5 million), with the winner receiving over £1,624,128 ($2 million).

Overall, while there are differences in the distribution of prize money among the major golf championships, all four tournaments offer significant rewards for the players. And as the popularity of golf continues to grow worldwide, prize money will likely continue to increase, making these crucial championships even more attractive to the world’s top golfers.

How Winning The U.S. Open Can Boost A Golfer’s Career.

Winning the U.S. Open is arguably the most prestigious achievement in the world of golf, and puts you in a privileged position as a pro golfer. Winning this tournament requires skill, strategy, and endurance, a testament to a golfer’s abilities especially given how they set the competition to push the challengers to their limits.

Being the U.S. Open champion can benefit a golfer’s career. First and foremost, it significantly boosts a player’s confidence and self-belief. Winning such a highly competitive tournament can help golfers overcome the mental barriers that may have been holding them back and inspire them to aim even higher in their careers. It can also attract attention from sponsors and endorsement deals, which can bring significant financial rewards.

Winning the U.S. Open can also open doors to other high-profile tournaments and events. For example, a victory can earn a golfer an invitation to the Masters, another prestigious tournament that is highly sought after by golfers worldwide. In addition, the win can also help a golfer climb the rankings, providing opportunities for more lucrative sponsorship deals and increased exposure.

In conclusion, winning the U.S. Open is a significant achievement that can profoundly impact a golfer’s career. It can boost their confidence, attract attention from sponsors, and open doors to other high-profile events. For many golfers, winning the U.S. Open is a lifelong dream and a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport.

Golfers Whose Careers Took Off After Winning The U.S. Open

The U.S. Open has been a launchpad for many golfers’ careers. Winning this prestigious tournament has provided a springboard to success, endorsement deals, and fame for many players. Here are a few golfers whose careers took off after winning the U.S. Open.

Jordan Spieth is a perfect example of a golfer who skyrocketed to fame after winning the U.S. Open. In 2015, Spieth won both the Masters and the U.S. Open, becoming the youngest player since Bobby Jones to win both tournaments in the same year. Spieth’s victory at the U.S. Open propelled him to global stardom and became a household name overnight.

Jordan Spieth wins The Open! 🏆

🏆 2015 – Masters 🏆 2015 – US Open 🏆 2017 – Open

He’s only 23. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/v1raGDhlLX

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 23, 2017

Another golfer who experienced a career boost after winning the U.S. Open is Justin Rose. Rose won the tournament in 2013, a turning point in his career. He struggled to live up to his potential until then, but his U.S. Open win gave him the confidence and momentum he needed to reach the sport’s top.

Tiger Woods is a famous example of a golfer whose career took off after winning the U.S. Open. Woods won his first U.S. Open in 2000, marking the beginning of a dominant era in golf. Woods went on to win the U.S. Open three more times, and his success helped him become one of the greatest golfers of all time.

In conclusion, the U.S. Open has been a career-defining tournament for many golfers. Winning this prestigious event has provided a launching pad for players to achieve global fame, success, and lucrative endorsements. Golfers like Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, and Tiger Woods show how winning the U.S. Open can change a golfer’s career trajectory forever.