U.S. Open Championship
Rotating Venues • Organized by USGA • Est. 1895 • "Golf's Toughest Test"
All-Time U.S. Open Champions
Four legends share the record for most U.S. Open victories.
U.S. Open Records
Recent Champions (Last 30 Years)
Year-by-year winners of golf's toughest test
| Year | Champion | Score | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | JJ Spaun | 279 (-1) | Oakmont |
| 2024 | Bryson DeChambeau | 274 (-6) | Pinehurst No. 2 |
| 2023 | Wyndham Clark | 270 (-10) | Los Angeles CC |
| 2022 | Matt Fitzpatrick | 274 (-6) | The Country Club |
| 2021 | Jon Rahm | 278 (-6) | Torrey Pines |
| 2020 | Bryson DeChambeau | 274 (-6) | Winged Foot |
| 2019 | Gary Woodland | 271 (-13) | Pebble Beach |
| 2018 | Brooks Koepka | 281 (+1) | Shinnecock Hills |
| 2017 | Brooks Koepka | 272 (-16) | Erin Hills |
| 2016 | Dustin Johnson | 276 (-4) | Oakmont |
| 2015 | Jordan Spieth | 275 (-5) | Chambers Bay |
| 2014 | Martin Kaymer | 271 (-9) | Pinehurst No. 2 |
| 2013 | Justin Rose | 281 (+1) | Merion |
| 2012 | Webb Simpson | 281 (+1) | Olympic Club |
| 2011 | Rory McIlroy | 268 (-16)* | Congressional |
| 2010 | Graeme McDowell | 284 (E) | Pebble Beach |
| 2009 | Lucas Glover | 276 (-4) | Bethpage Black |
| 2008 | Tiger Woods | 283 (-1) | Torrey Pines |
| 2007 | Ángel Cabrera | 285 (+5) | Oakmont |
| 2006 | Geoff Ogilvy | 285 (+5) | Winged Foot |
| 2005 | Michael Campbell | 280 (E) | Pinehurst No. 2 |
| 2004 | Retief Goosen | 276 (-4) | Shinnecock Hills |
| 2003 | Jim Furyk | 272 (-8) | Olympia Fields |
| 2002 | Tiger Woods | 277 (-3) | Bethpage Black |
| 2001 | Retief Goosen | 276 (-4) | Southern Hills |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods | 272 (-12) | Pebble Beach |
| 1999 | Payne Stewart | 279 (-1) | Pinehurst No. 2 |
| 1998 | Lee Janzen | 280 (E) | Olympic Club |
| 1997 | Ernie Els | 276 (-4) | Congressional |
| 1996 | Steve Jones | 278 (-2) | Oakland Hills |
| 1995 | Corey Pavin | 280 (E) | Shinnecock Hills |
* Tied record low score
About The U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is renowned as "golf's toughest test." The USGA intentionally creates challenging conditions with thick rough, narrow fairways, and fast greens to identify the best player.
What Makes It Different
- Brutal Course Setup — Thick rough, narrow fairways, firm greens. Par is a good score.
- Open Qualifying — Any golfer with a handicap of 1.4 or better can attempt to qualify.
- Historic Venues — Rotates among America's greatest courses.
- Winning Score Near Par — Unlike other majors, winners often finish close to even par.
Legendary Venues
The U.S. Open rotates among iconic courses including Pebble Beach, Oakmont, Shinnecock Hills, Pinehurst No. 2, Winged Foot, and Merion. Each venue presents unique challenges that test every aspect of a player's game.
The Phil Mickelson Curse
Phil Mickelson finished 2nd at the U.S. Open a record 6 times without winning, making him the best player to never capture the title. His near-misses include heartbreakers at Winged Foot (2006) and Merion (2013).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most U.S. Opens?
Four players share the record with 4 wins: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus.
Why is the U.S. Open considered the toughest major?
The USGA sets up courses with thick rough, narrow fairways, and fast greens. The goal is to make par a good score and identify the most complete player.
What is the largest margin of victory in major history?
Tiger Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 strokes — the largest margin of victory in major championship history.
Can anyone qualify for the U.S. Open?
Yes! Any golfer with a handicap index of 1.4 or lower can attempt to qualify through local and sectional qualifying rounds.
Who has the most runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open?
Phil Mickelson finished 2nd a record 6 times (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013) without ever winning, making him the best player to never capture the title.