Table of Contents

Turning Points - golfers whose victory heralded significant changes or gains for the golf world: Harry Vardon in 1900; Johnny McDermott in 1911; Walter Hagen in 1914; Bob Jones in 1930; Jack Nicklaus in 1962; Gary Player in 1965; Tom Watson in 1982. Perseverance - golfers who overcame injuries, sickness, early-round setbacks to finally become champions: Billy Burke in 1931; Olin Dutra in 1934; Ken Venturi in 1964; Tom Kite in 1992; Corey Pavin in 1995; Payne Stewart in 1999; Tiger Woods in 2008. Underdogs - golfers who everyone had counted out (or didn't even consider) and still hung on for remarkable victories: Gene Sarazen in 1922; Johnny Goodman in 1933; Jack Fleck in 1955; Lee Trevino in 1971; Hale Irwin in 1990. Comebacks - the best come-from-behind victories in all of Open history, some from early-round disappointment to life threatening circumstances: Byron Nelson in 1939; Ben Hogan in 1950; Arnold Palmer in 1960; Billy Casper in 1966; Johnny Miller in 1973; Jack Nicklaus in 1980. Dominance - players who truly picked apart the field and made winning the country's toughest tournament look easy: Willie Anderson in 1905; Tony Jacklin in 1970; Tiger Woods in 2000; Rory McIlroy in 2011.

About the Author

Robert Williams is the Director of the USGA Museum in Far Hills, N.J., the world's premier institution for the preservation and celebration of golf's rich history. He is a former professional golfer and lighting designer who has spent many years managing the design, construction and operation of museums and other non-profit organizations.

Michael Trostel is the Senior Curator and Historian of the USGA Museum. He is responsible for developing historical content and managing research activities at the Museum and serves as a writer at several championships each year.

Reviews

Lovers of the game will find this work an interesting and fun read and will enjoy the historical element that the authors bring to this volume due to their work at the museum.--Shannon Graff Hysell "American Reference Books Annual 2014" (9/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Pictures are worth tens of thousands of words in this fabulously illustrated chronicle of the greatest moments at the most testing tournament in golf.-- "Winnipeg Free Press" (11/30/2013 12:00:00 AM)

Since the inception of the U.S. Open in 1895, its goal has been to identify the best golfer of the year. Williams and Trostel (director and senior curator, respectively, U.S. Golf Assn. Museum) present the story of the Open, including carefully crafted essays by other contributors. Of particular note is Mike Davis and Hunki Yun's piece, Golf's Biggest Stage: The U.S. Open Course, which details the role of the course itself as the silent competitor. The text is supplemented by an impressive array of photographs as well as images of items in the museum's collections... Those who follow golf championships will enjoy this title.--Steven Silkunas "Library Journal" (6/15/2013 12:00:00 AM)

The Masters and British Open may be golf's most coveted major titles, but the U.S. Open is considered the most grueling and difficult to win. The exhilaration of claiming the national championship comes through well... [ Williams and Trostel]...chose not to describe all results, but rather took the most unique and iconic, and grouped them by theme... Each section is led off by an essay and has from four to seven championships that fit the theme, illustrated with USGA archive images. This approach allowed the authors to combine champions of different eras to show how the traits required to win are timeless.--Cliff Schrock "Golf World" (5/20/2013 12:00:00 AM)