US Open Golf Facts

Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, played host to the first U.S. Open on Oct. 4, 1895. Only 11 players vied for the crown over the 9-hole course, playing 36 holes in one day. Horace Rawlins of England was the winner.

The first player born on American soil to claim the U.S. Open title was John J. McDermott in 1911. Just two years later, 20-year-old Francis Ouimet of America upset heavily favored Harry Vardon of England.

Amateur Bobby Jones won four U.S. Opens in a span of eight years, with his last one coming in 1930. Professional golfers began to dominate the tournament after the early 1930s.

In 1965, the United States Golf Association, which runs the tournament, changed the format to what it is today, four rounds of 18 holes. Prior to 1965, the competitors played 18 holes on each of the first two days culminating with 36 holes of golf on the final day of the tournament.

If the 72-hole competition ends in a tie for first place, the deadlocked players compete in an 18-hole playoff the following day. If players are tied at the end of those 18 holes, a sudden-death playoff determines the U.S. Open champion.