by Mona Gallagher

Created on: June 18, 2007

The first U.S. Open Golf Tournament was played in Newport, Rhode Island in 1895. It is one of the four major golf tournaments but it began in 1895, almost as an afterthought, to the U.S. Amateur tournament. The other three major golf tournaments in the world are the Masters, the British Open and the PGA Championship.

Horace Rawling, an assistant pro at the host country club and an Englishman won the first U.S. Golf Open Tournament. He was 21 years old, received $150.00 and a $50.00 gold medal. The host country got the championship trophy.

From the beginning of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament until 1911, the British dominated the tournament. Since then the U.S. has dominated. The U.S. Open Golf Tournament has had competitors as young as 15 years old qualify for the tournament.

When the U.S. Open first began, the members played 36 holes of golf in one day. In 1898, it was changed to a 2 day event with 36 holes of golf played each day. It was changed again in 1926 to 18 holes played the first 2 days and 36 holes played on the 3rd day.

Finally, in 1965, it was changed to a 4 day event with 18 holes of golf played each day. The last day of the U.S, Golf Tournament is scheduled to end on the third Sunday in June each year.

In 1917-1918 the U.S. Open Golf Tournament was not played because of WWI and from 1942-1945, it was suspended because of WWII.

Golf greats in U.S. Open history include: Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Willie Anderson and Hale Irwin. They each won the U.S, Open 4 times except for Hale Irwin who won 3 times. Tiger Woods has won 2 times so far. Willie Anderson died at the age of 30 and it is highly likely that he might have had many more wins if he had lived longer.

Angel Cabrera from Argentina is the latest U.S. Open winner for 2007. He shot a 69 on the final day and an overall 285. He is the first Argentinian to win the U.S. Open.

For a complete list of winners from 1895 until 2006, go to this link:
http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-history/us-upen-g olf-champions-through-history-2295.htm

Resources:
http ://about.com
http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-history/us -upen-golf-champions-through-history-2295.htm

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