In the thrilling world of golf, the U.S. Open is marked by several notable anniversaries this year, reflecting significant moments across decades of the sport’s history.
100 years ago, in 1925, the U.S. Open was hosted at Worcester Country Club. The event was a duel between Willie MacFarlane and the iconic amateur Bobby Jones. MacFarlane triumphed after a tense playoff that saw him outscore Jones by a single stroke, winning 147 to 148 over the additional 18 holes required to break the tie. Interestingly, Jones was known for his strong ethics and sportsmanship. During the first round, he incurred a self-imposed penalty on the 11th hole, suspecting that his club had inadvertently moved the ball, a gesture that solidified his reputation for fairness.
Seventy-five years ago, the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club was a testament to Ben Hogan’s resilience and sheer willpower. Hogan, just a year after a terrible car accident that nearly ended his career, claimed victory in a remarkable playoff. His famous 1-iron shot on the final hole became an iconic moment in golf history, and epitomized his determination, overcoming the physical limitations placed on him by his earlier injuries.
Fast forward to 50 years ago, in 1975, Lou Graham’s perseverance was the focus at Medinah Country Club where he defeated John Mahaffey after 18 extra playoff holes. Graham, escaping what seemed an endless career of relative anonymity on the tour, capitalized on the opportunity to clinch his first major, while Mahaffey, unable to make a birdie in the entire playoff, finished behind.
In 2000, 25 years ago, Tiger Woods redefined dominance in golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links. His performance was overwhelming; Woods won by a staggering 15 shots, establishing a new benchmark for excellence in major tournaments. This win coincided with Jack Nicklaus’s final U.S. Open appearance, as Woods solidified his role as the torchbearer for modern golf.
Looking 20 years back, in 2005, Michael Campbell pulled off an unexpected victory at Pinehurst No. 2. The tournament had its fair share of surprises, but Campbell’s poise under pressure allowed him to finish two strokes ahead of the illustrious Tiger Woods. This marked a high point in his career, cementing his place in major championship history with a clutch performance, particularly on the 17th green.
A decade ago, in 2015, the tournament saw Jordan Spieth rise to greatness at Chambers Bay Golf Club. The young Texan captured the trophy following a dramatic finale, tying several legends in the pursuit of consecutive Grand Slam titles. Despite some late-round jitters, Spieth clinched the victory after Dustin Johnson’s unfortunate three-putt on the 18th green.
Most recently, at Winged Foot Golf Club five years ago in 2020, Bryson DeChambeau showcased his unique approach to golf strategy, overpowering the course to win by six shots over Matthew Wolff. Known for his methodical and scientific approach to golf, DeChambeau’s triumph was a reinforcement of his philosophy that muscle mass and power can be leveraged to transform the game.
Each of these anniversaries underscores defining chapters in U.S. Open history, moments when skill, sportsmanship, and resilience took center stage. They each remind us of the sport’s enduring allure and the remarkable individuals who have graced these fairways.