The US Open Golf Championship is more than just a tournament — it is a proving ground where golfing legends are made, records shattered, and history written one iron shot at a time. Every year, the world’s best golfers converge on some of America’s most demanding courses, each dreaming of lifting the US Open Championship Cup.
Whether you’re a lifelong golf enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive guide to US Open Golf winners covers everything from the earliest champions to the modern-era greats — including the women who have defined their own version of golfing excellence.
What Is the US Open Golf Championship?
The US Open Golf Championship is one of the sport’s four major championships and is widely regarded as the most demanding test in professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it has been an annual tradition since 1895, when Horace Rawlins claimed the inaugural title. The only interruptions came during World War I (1917–1918) and World War II (1942–1945).
Currently held as the third major of the year, the US Open is notorious for its punishing rough, narrow fairways, and lightning-fast greens — conditions designed to separate the elite from the excellent. Winning this championship earns a player an automatic invitation to the other three majors for five years, a ten-year US Open exemption, and five years of PGA Tour membership. The champion also receives the coveted US Open Championship Cup — a symbol of golf’s ultimate test.
US Open Golf Winners List: Modern Era Champions (2010–2026)
The modern era has delivered some of golf’s most dramatic finishes and dominant performances. Here is a look at recent US Open Golf Championship winners:
| Year | Winner | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wyndham Clark | Shinnecock Hills | -4 (276) |
| 2025 | J.J. Spaun | Oakmont Country Club | -2 |
| 2024 | Bryson DeChambeau | Pinehurst No. 2 | — |
| 2023 | Wyndham Clark | The Los Angeles Country Club | — |
| 2022 | Matt Fitzpatrick | The Country Club, Brookline | — |
| 2021 | Jon Rahm | Torrey Pines | — |
| 2020 | Bryson DeChambeau | Winged Foot | — |
| 2019 | Gary Woodland | Pebble Beach | — |
| 2018 | Brooks Koepka | Shinnecock Hills | — |
| 2017 | Brooks Koepka | Erin Hills | — |
| 2016 | Dustin Johnson | Oakmont Country Club | — |
| 2015 | Jordan Spieth | Chambers Bay | — |
| 2014 | Martin Kaymer | Pinehurst No. 2 | — |
| 2013 | Justin Rose | Merion Golf Club | — |
| 2012 | Webb Simpson | The Olympic Club | — |
| 2011 | Rory McIlroy | Congressional Country Club | -16 (268) |
| 2010 | Graeme McDowell | Pebble Beach | — |
2026 Highlight
Wyndham Clark claimed his second US Open title at Shinnecock Hills, completing a wire-to-wire victory over Sam Burns with a final score of 276 (-4). His performance tied Retief Goosen’s record for the lowest score at Shinnecock Hills in a major.
2011 Record
Rory McIlroy holds the record for the lowest aggregate score in US Open history, finishing at 268 (-16) at Congressional Country Club. McIlroy and Brooks Koepka share the record for the lowest score in relation to par, both finishing at -16.
Past Winners of the US Open Golf: The Golden Era (1960–2009)
The second half of the 20th century produced some of golf’s most iconic names. These past US Open Golf winners shaped the modern game:
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Tiger Woods |
| 2002 | Tiger Woods |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods |
| 1997 | Ernie Els |
| 1994 | Ernie Els |
| 1993 | Lee Janzen |
| 1991 | Payne Stewart |
| 1990 | Hale Irwin |
| 1988 | Curtis Strange |
| 1982 | Tom Watson |
| 1980 | Jack Nicklaus |
| 1972 | Jack Nicklaus |
| 1967 | Jack Nicklaus |
| 1962 | Jack Nicklaus |
| 1970 | Tony Jacklin |
| 1960 | Arnold Palmer |
Tiger Woods won three US Opens (2000, 2002, 2008) and is among the most dominant forces in the championship’s history. His 2000 victory at Pebble Beach remains one of the most dominant performances in major championship history.
Jack Nicklaus won four US Open titles — in 1962, 1967, 1972, and 1980 — cementing himself as one of the greatest US Open champions of all time.
US Open Golf Championship Winners: The All-Time Greats
When it comes to the US Open Golf Championship, a handful of legends stand in a class of their own:
Four-Time Champions — The Record Holders
Four golfers share the all-time record of four US Open titles:
- Willie Anderson — 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905
- Bobby Jones — 1923, 1926, 1929, 1930
- Ben Hogan — 1948, 1950, 1951, 1953
- Jack Nicklaus — 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980
Willie Anderson’s achievement of winning three consecutive titles (1903–1905) remains one of the most remarkable streaks in major championship history. Bobby Jones accomplished his four wins as an amateur, making his record even more extraordinary.
Ben Hogan’s four victories include a remarkable comeback season in 1950, just a year after a near-fatal automobile accident. Jack Nicklaus, who played 44 consecutive US Opens (1957–2000), remains the gold standard of consistency and excellence in the championship.
Wire-to-Wire Champions
A select group of champions have led the US Open from the very first round to the very last — a feat requiring iron-nerved consistency across four grueling days. Wire-to-wire US Open winners include Walter Hagen (1914), Jim Barnes (1921), Ben Hogan (1953), Tony Jacklin (1970), Tiger Woods (2000 and 2002), Rory McIlroy (2011), Martin Kaymer (2014), and most recently, Wyndham Clark (2026).
Youngest US Open Champion
John McDermott holds the record as the youngest US Open champion, winning in 1911 at just 19 years, 10 months, and 14 days old — a record that has stood for over a century.
Golf US Women’s Open Winners | Celebrating Champions of the Women’s Game
The Golf US Women’s Open is the most prestigious major in women’s golf and has produced its own remarkable list of champions since its founding in 1946. The event is organized by the USGA and is considered the crown jewel of the LPGA Tour’s five major championships.
About the US Women’s Open
The first US Women’s Open was held in 1946 as a match-play event — the only time the championship used that format. It transitioned to the 72-hole stroke play format in 1947 and has remained in that format ever since. Originally administered by the Women’s Professional Golf Association (WPGA) and later the LPGA, the USGA took control of the championship in 1953.
US Women’s Open Record Holders
Two legends share the record for the most US Women’s Open titles, each winning four times:
- Betsy Rawls — 1951, 1953, 1957, 1960
- Mickey Wright — 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964
Mickey Wright’s back-to-back wins in 1958–1959 and again in 1961 demonstrate a level of dominance rarely seen in any major championship.
Other notable multiple winners include:
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias — 3 wins
- Annika Sörenstam — 3 wins
- Hollis Stacy — 3 wins
- Susie Berning — 3 wins
- Patty Sheehan — 2 wins (1992, 1994)
- Karrie Webb — 2 wins (2000, 2001 — back-to-back)
- Juli Inkster — 2 wins (1999, 2002)
- Meg Mallon — 2 wins (1991, 2004)
Recent US Women’s Open Golf Winners
| Year | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Maja Stark | Sweden |
| 2024 | Yuka Saso | Japan |
| 2023 | Allisen Corpuz | USA |
| 2022 | Minjee Lee | Australia |
| 2021 | Nelly Korda | USA |
| 2020 | A Lim Kim | South Korea |
| 2019 | Jeongeun Lee6 | South Korea |
| 2018 | Ariya Jutanugarn | Thailand |
| 2017 | Sung Hyun Park | South Korea |
| 2016 | Brittany Lang | USA |
2025 Champion: Sweden’s Maja Stark claimed the 80th US Women’s Open title, defeating top-ranked Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda by two strokes to win her first major championship.
The US Women’s Open has seen a significant surge in prestige in recent years, with the USGA doubling the prize purse to $10 million in 2022, underscoring the championship’s growing global stature.
What Makes the US Open Different from Other Majors?
The US Open is often called “The Toughest Test in Golf,” and for good reason. Unlike other majors, the USGA deliberately sets up courses to be as challenging as possible — with rough that penalizes even slight misses, tight fairways that demand precision off the tee, and pin placements that can turn a birdie opportunity into a bogey nightmare.
Several characteristics define the US Open experience:
Course Setup: The USGA typically prepares courses with four-inch rough, narrow fairways, and firm, fast greens. Par is a genuine achievement at the US Open, not a baseline to be beaten.
Rotating Venues: The championship moves annually among America’s most storied and challenging golf courses — including Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills, Oakmont, and Winged Foot.
Open Qualifying: True to its name, the US Open maintains an open qualifying system. Any professional or amateur with a USGA Handicap Index of 1.4 or below can attempt to qualify — a democratic tradition that sets it apart from other majors.
Prestige: A US Open title is widely considered among the greatest achievements in golf. It tests not just skill, but mental fortitude, course management, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
US Open Golf Winners: Key Records and Milestones
Here is a quick-reference summary of the most notable records in US Open history:
- Most titles (Men): 4 — Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus
- Most titles (Women): 4 — Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright
- Lowest aggregate score: 268 (-16) — Rory McIlroy, 2011
- Lowest score in relation to par: -16 — Rory McIlroy (2011), Brooks Koepka (2019)
- Youngest champion: John McDermott, age 19 (1911)
- Most consecutive US Opens started: 44 — Jack Nicklaus (1957–2000)
- Wire-to-wire victories: 9 occasions, most recently Wyndham Clark (2026)
- Most Women’s Open wins (consecutive): Mickey Wright — 1958, 1959 (back-to-back)
Read also more related topics: Ryder cup winners list
Frequently Asked Questions About US Open Golf Winners
Who has won the most US Open Golf titles?
Four players share the men’s record with four wins each: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus. In the women’s game, Betsy Rawls and Mickey Wright each hold four titles.
Who won the 2026 US Open Golf Championship?
Wyndham Clark won the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills with a score of 276 (-4), defeating Sam Burns in a dramatic wire-to-wire victory.
Who won the 2025 US Open Golf Championship?
J.J. Spaun won the 2025 men’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club. Maja Stark of Sweden won the 2025 US Women’s Open.
When did the US Open Golf Championship begin?
The US Open was first played in 1895. Horace Rawlins won the inaugural championship.
What is the lowest score ever recorded at the US Open?
Rory McIlroy set the all-time record with a 72-hole aggregate of 268 (-16) at Congressional Country Club in 2011.
Is the US Women’s Open part of the LPGA Tour?
Yes. The US Women’s Open is one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour and is regarded as the most prestigious of them all.
Final Thoughts
From Horace Rawlins in 1895 to Wyndham Clark in 2026, the history of US Open Golf winners is a tapestry woven from courage, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The men’s US Open Golf Championship has crowned legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, while the Golf US Women’s Open has celebrated icons like Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, and Annika Sörenstam.
Whether you are tracking the US Open Golf winners list to follow your favorite player or simply exploring the rich heritage of golf’s most demanding major, one truth is universal: winning the US Open means conquering the toughest test the game has to offer. And that alone makes every champion’s name one worth remembering.