The U.S. Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments in the sport. It is held once per year and is open, through qualifying tournaments and various other criteria, to all golfers, amateur and professional, who have a two handicap or better. Unlike many other tournaments, the Open takes place on various courses.
History
The first U.S. Open was held in 1895. Originally, the Open was primarily for amateurs and British professionals.
Time Frame
The U.S. Open is played once per year. The schedule for the Open now coincides with Father's Day weekend. The final, regulation round is played on the Sunday of Father's Day.
Size
156 players compete in the U.S. Open. Most players earn their spots through success in other tournaments. Exemption into the Open may be earned by international rank, money earned or prior victories. Sectional qualifiers lead to the filling of the field.
Importance
The U.S. Open is one of four "major" championships in the sport of golf. These majors have changed over the years--the Amateur Tournaments are no longer considered--and they now include the U.S. Open, the British Open, the Masters and the PGA Championship.
Famous Ties
While all U.S. Open champions gain a certain measure of fame, some stand out in the historical context. Francis Ouimet brought interest to the Open in 1913 when, as an amateur, he bested two highly favored English professionals in a playoff. Bobby Jones won four Open championships, including one which helped complete his "Grand Slam" of victory in all four majors of the time in a single year.
About The Author
Michael Kozlowski began writing in 2006 and has published fiction in Eternal Press, "The Monsters Next Door" and "Scarlett Literary Magazine." He also has a novel-length travel memoir distributed through ecapeartist.com. He spent many years in the manufacturing and construction trades, traveling extensively. Kozlowski attended Wayne State University for graphic design and fine art.
