Top 10 US Open Moments of All-Time

Top 10 US Open Moments of All-Time

With the 122nd edition of the US Open on tap for this week, let’s take a look at 10 of the best US Open moments of all time.

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10. 1973 - Johnny Miller shots at 63 at Oakmont

After shooting a 76 on Saturday, Miller shot a then major-record 63 on Sunday to overcome a six-stroke lead and win by one shot. It only took 29 putts to accomplish the feat on a day Miller couldn’t miss from the green.

9. 1990 - Hale Irwin wins at Medinah at 45

Trailing by four strokes entering Sunday, Irwin shot 31 on the back nine Sunday to force an 18-hole playoff against Mike Donald. The first time a US Open was decided by a sudden-death playoff, Irwin became the oldest US Open winner at 45 years old. 

8. 2011 - Rory McIlroy takes down Congressional at 22

Speaking of age-related milestones, Rory became the youngest US Open champion (22) since Bobby Jones in 1923, shooting a US Open record -16 when it was all said and done. Shooting 65-66 to open the week, he never looked back once the weekend hit. 

7. 1999 - Payne Stewart bests Mickelson at Pinehurst

Stewart out-dueled then emerging star Mickelson to win his third major, and what would sadly be his final win on the PGA Tour; dying just a few months later in a car crash. A back and forth battle with Mickelson that was one for the ages.

6. 1950 - Ben Hogan’s return to Merion Golf Club

Arriving at Merion just 16 months after a car crash that nearly ended his life, Hogan still had bandages on his leg on his way to winning the event. Even more notable, pros played 36 holes on Sunday then, making the feat even more impressive. His 1-iron on 18 was the shot that sealed it for him.

5. 2000 - Tiger Woods dominates Pebble Beach

Finishing 15 strokes ahead of second-place Ernie Els, Tiger put the world on notice they were dealing with some different with this win. Making it more impressive, he ended the week as the only player under par. 

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4. 1982 - Tom Watson Chips in at Pebble Beach

Beating the GOAT Jack Nicklaus, this was Watson’s only US Open win and he did so in dramatic fashion. Tied going into 17, Watson chipped in for the eventual win. 

3. 1962 - Nicklaus bests Palmer at Oakmont

A passing of the guard type performance, Arnold Palmer was the heavy favorite at his local course of Oakmont, as the five-time major champion struggled to fend off a young player named Jack Nicklaus. The start of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.

2. 1913 - Francis Ouimet wins as an amateur at The Country Club

One of the most legendary tales in golf, Ouimet was a former caddy at The Country Club who entered the event as an amateur, with an 11-year-old acquaintance carrying his bag that week. Still, the only player to win the US Open on his first attempt, Ouimet is largely credited with making golf the mainstream sport it is today in the US.

1. 2008 - Tiger Woods on One Leg at Torrey Pines

Likely some bias here given I watched from start to finish, but Tiger winning at Torrey in 2008 on a torn ligament with stress fractures takes the cake for me. Playing through immense pain, Woods birdied 18 with a 15-foot put to force another 18 Monday followed by sudden death. Getting surgery in the following weeks, Woods didn’t golf again for six months.