Youngest and Oldest Winners in US Open Golf Championship History
The 2024 U.S. Open Championship is fast approaching, with some of the biggest names in golf gearing up to compete at Pinehurst, N.C. Among the field are Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka, and Wyndham Clark. But as we look ahead to this prestigious tournament, let’s take a moment to reflect on the youngest and oldest winners in the history of the U.S. Open Golf Championship.
John McDermott holds the title of the youngest U.S. Open winner, claiming victory in 1911 at the age of 19 years, nine months, and 14 days. Following closely behind is Francis Ouimet, who won the tournament in 1913 at 20 years, four months, and 12 days.
On the other end of the spectrum, Hale Irwin is the oldest U.S. Open winner, triumphing in 1990 at the age of 45 years and 15 days. Raymond Floyd previously held this record, winning in 1986 at 43 years, nine months, and 11 days.
Looking ahead to the 2024 tournament, there is the potential for new records to be set. 19-year-old Bryan Kim could become the youngest winner if he emerges victorious after securing his spot by winning the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. Meanwhile, veteran Phil Mickelson, aged 54, could rewrite history by becoming the oldest winner, having placed second six times in the past.
In terms of the most U.S. Open wins, four golfers share the record for winning the tournament four times each. These legends include Willie Anderson (Scotland) in 1901, 1903, 1904, and 1905, Bobby Jones (USA) in 1923, 1926, 1929, and 1930, Ben Hogan (USA) in 1948, 1950, 1951, and 1953, and Jack Nicklaus (USA) in 1962, 1967, 1972, and 1980. As we eagerly anticipate the 2024 U.S. Open Championship, we can’t help but wonder if any of these records will be broken this year.