1903 U.S. Open (golf)

The 1903 U.S. Open was the ninth U.S. Open, held June 26–29 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, west of New York City. Willie Anderson won his second U.S. Open title in a playoff over David Brown. The championship was played on the original course at Baltusrol, now known as the Old Course, which no longer exists.

Contents

• Final leaderboard
• Playoff
• References

Anderson and Brown both posted a 307 total, eight-strokes clear of the field. The playoff, moved to Monday because Sunday was reserved for member play, was played in a heavy rainstorm. Anderson took a two-stroke lead at the turn, but Brown managed to tie after 14. Brown made a 7 on the 15th after his tee shot went out of bounds, but Anderson was only able to gain a single stroke after three-putting for a 6. At 16 Brown made a 6 to Anderson's 5, and Anderson finished with 4s on the last two holes for an 82, two-shots ahead of Brown.

Anderson became the first golfer to win the U.S. Open twice. This win was the first in a run of three consecutive Open titles, a feat unmatched before or since in tournament history. Anderson's four U.S. Open titles remains tied for the tournament record.

Donald Ross, who would become known as one of the greatest golf course architects, designing several courses that hosted future U.S. Opens, had his best U.S. Open finish with a 5th place showing. Baseball Hall of Famer John Montgomery Ward played in his first of two U.S. Opens here, finishing in 56th place.

The Old Course at Baltusrol hosted the U.S. Open again a dozen years later in 1915, then was plowed under three years later in 1918 by course architect A. W. Tillinghast to create the Upper and Lower Courses.