Who Has Won the Most US Opens?

Quick Answer

Four players are tied with 4 US Open victories: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus. Tiger Woods leads the modern era with 3 wins.

The US Open is widely considered golf's toughest test, and only four players have managed to win it four times throughout history. The difficulty of repeating is reflected in the fact that no one has won five.

Most US Open Wins (All-Time)

  1. Willie Anderson — 4 wins (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905)
    The only player to win 3 consecutive US Opens. His dominance in the early 1900s remains unmatched.
  2. Bobby Jones — 4 wins (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930)
    Amateur golfer who won in his Grand Slam year of 1930.
  3. Ben Hogan — 4 wins (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)
    Won the 1950 US Open just 16 months after a near-fatal car crash — one of golf's most remarkable comebacks.
  4. Jack Nicklaus — 4 wins (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)
    His 18-year span between first and last US Open win is a record.
  5. Tiger Woods — 3 wins (2000, 2002, 2008)
    His 2008 victory at Torrey Pines on a broken leg is one of the most dramatic sporting events ever.
  6. Hale Irwin — 3 wins (1974, 1979, 1990)

Notable 2-Time Winners

  • Alex Smith — 1906, 1910
  • John McDermott — 1911, 1912
  • Ralph Guldahl — 1937, 1938
  • Curtis Strange — 1988, 1989 (back-to-back, last to do it)

Modern Era Note

Tiger Woods' 2008 US Open victory at Torrey Pines stands as one of golf's most legendary performances. Playing on a broken left leg with a torn ACL, Tiger forced a playoff with Rocco Mediate, then won on the 19th hole the next day. It would be his last major victory for 11 years.

Phil Mickelson's US Open Heartbreak

Phil Mickelson holds the unfortunate record of 6 runner-up finishes at the US Open without ever winning — the most famous being his double-bogey on the 72nd hole at Winged Foot in 2006 when leading by one.