History of the US Open
The U.S. Open is one of golf’s four major championships and has played a central role in shaping the professional game in the United States since its first tournament in 1895. Organized by the United States Golf Association, the championship is known for demanding course setups, a rigorous qualifying process, and a long history of being played at some of the country’s most recognizable golf courses.
Over more than a century, the U.S. Open has been contested at a wide range of venues, from classic links-style layouts to modern championship courses. Each host site reflects the tournament’s emphasis on precision, strategy, and consistency, contributing to the event’s reputation as one of the most challenging tests in professional golf.
Scottish dominance to Tiger’s treble
First played in 1895, the US Open was won by Englishman Horace Rawlins, who topped the field at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island.
It wasn’t until 1911 that the first American won the US Open as three Englishman, 12 Scotsman and one Harry Vardon from Jersey, took top-prize in the golf tournament’s first 16 editions.
John McDermott became the first American to hoist the US Open trophy after winning the open at the Chicago Golf Club.
The Pennsylvania native repeated the feat a year later, marking the second and final major golf tournament he won.
The tournament has seen some of the great modern names win on its courses around the United States, including Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and most recently Dustin Johnston.
Four players have won the tournament a record four times, including Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Scotsman Willie Anderson.
Woods has been close to equaling the feat, however, he has come up short since last winning it for a third time in 2008.
Woods is the last person to be a repeat winner at the US Open.
Where has the US Open been played?
In all, 51 golf clubs have hosted the event.
The US Open has been played at Oakmont Country Club in Plum, Pennsylvania a record nine times.
Over the past decade, the US Open has been hosted at some of golf’s most iconic venues:
- 2017 – Erin Hills Golf Course, Erin, Wisc.
- 2018 – Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, N.Y.
- 2019 – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif.
- 2020 – Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
- 2021 – Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego, Calif.
- 2022 – The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.
- 2023 – Los Angeles Country Club, Los Angeles, Calif.
- 2024 – Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Village of Pinehurst, N.C.
- 2025 – Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pa.
- 2026 – Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, N.Y.
Each course is a work of art and is a true testament to the golf course designers.
Great wins and duels
The US Open has been known for showcasing great golf duels.
In 1990, Hale Irwin won the US Open after beating Mike Donald in a playoff with an outstanding long putt.
Irwin’s win changed many golf fans’ perception of the PGA great, and it sealed his third and final US Open victory.
In October 1999, Missouri native Payne Stewart died in a tragic airplane crash.
Yet, just a few months early, Stewart won his second career US Open after he sunk an unthinkable 15 foot putt for the win.
In 1962, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer did battle as the poster boys of the PGA.
The dream match-up saw the Golden Bear win in a playoff and it saw him knock off golf’s No. 1 player as Nicklaus made up five strokes in just 11 holes.
It was a dream match-up and one few golf fans of the 1960s easily forgot.
2026 US Open
The U.S. Open is set to return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, for the 2026 championship. Shinnecock Hills is one of the oldest courses to host the tournament and has been a regular part of U.S. Open history, with course conditions that have traditionally tested players’ accuracy and decision-making.
As in previous years, the 2026 championship will include both established professionals and amateur players who qualify through the U.S. Open’s open qualifying process. This system has been part of the tournament for decades and remains central to how the field is selected.
Bringing the U.S. Open back to Shinnecock Hills follows a familiar pattern of returning to venues with a long championship history and challenging course setups. Each U.S. Open builds on what came before, adding to the tournament’s record and reinforcing the level of play expected at a national championship.
Explore Your Path in the Golf Industry
The history of the U.S. Open reflects more than championship golf; it highlights the planning, course preparation, player development, and organizational leadership that make events at this level possible. Behind every major tournament is a wide range of professionals working in instruction, management, operations, and player support.
At Keiser University College of Golf, students study the game from both a competitive and professional perspective through degree programs focused on golf management and golf teaching and learning. These programs are designed to connect the traditions of the game with the practical skills needed to work in today’s golf industry.
To learn more about KUCOG’s academic programs and how they align with careers in golf, visit the College of Golf programs page.
