What Is 1920 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1920 U.S. Open Golf Championship marked a pivotal moment in American golf history, held at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. It featured a dramatic showdown between seasoned professional Ted Ray and teenage amateur sensation Bobby Jones, capturing national attention.

This championship was notable for its tight scoring, playoff finish, and the emergence of Jones as a future legend. Played on August 12–13, 1920, it was the first U.S. Open hosted by Inverness Club, which has since become a regular venue for major tournaments.

• Ted Ray, the 1912 Open Champion, won with a total score of 295 (+15) over 72 holes, edging into the record books as the 1920 champion.
• The tournament ended in a tie between Ray and Bobby Jones, both finishing at 295, necessitating an 18-hole playoff the following day.
• In the playoff, Ray shot a steady 71 while Jones carded a 72, marking the narrowest possible margin of victory in a U.S. Open playoff.
• Inverness Club, designed by Donald Ross, hosted its first U.S. Open in 1920 and has since held multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships.
• Jones, only 18 years old at the time, gained national fame despite the loss, later winning the U.S. Open in 1923, 1926, and 1929.

Contenders and Competition

The 1920 U.S. Open drew top players of the era, including past champions and rising stars, with conditions favoring precision over power. The course setup and weather added to the challenge, making consistency crucial.

• Field Size:64 players qualified for the tournament, a standard number for the era, with strict sectional qualifying rounds held nationwide.
• Qualifying Score: The cutoff to make the field was 155 over 36 holes, reflecting the tough conditions at Inverness.
• First-Round Leader:Harry Vardon, the legendary British player, led after round one with a 73, though he faded in later rounds.
• Final Round Drama: Jones birdied the 17th hole to tie Ray, forcing a playoff—an outcome few expected from an amateur so young.
• Prize Money: Ray earned $500 for first place, a modest sum compared to modern standards, with Jones receiving $200 as runner-up.
• Course Length: Inverness measured 6,564 yards for the 1920 Open, short by today’s standards but challenging due to narrow fairways and thick rough.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1920 U.S. Open compares to other editions in terms of key metrics:

The 1920 U.S. Open stands out for its playoff finish and the youth of Jones, who would later dominate the sport. While scores were higher than in later decades due to course and equipment limitations, the competition was fierce. This tournament helped elevate the profile of American golf and set the stage for Jones’ legendary career.

Why It Matters

The 1920 U.S. Open had lasting significance in golf history, both for its dramatic finish and cultural impact. It signaled the rise of American talent and the growing prestige of the U.S. Open as a premier event.

• The playoff between Ray and Jones was the first in a U.S. Open since 1908, reigniting interest in dramatic finishes.
• Bobby Jones’ performance at age 18 inspired a generation of amateur golfers and boosted participation nationwide.
• Inverness Club’s successful hosting led to it being selected for future majors, including four more U.S. Opens through 1979.
• The tournament highlighted the transition from British dominance to American competitiveness in golf’s top ranks.
• Equipment of the era—hickory shafts and gutty balls—made scoring more difficult, emphasizing skill over distance.
• Media coverage expanded significantly, with national newspapers following Jones’ run, helping popularize golf in the U.S.

Ultimately, the 1920 U.S. Open was more than just a championship—it was a turning point. It bridged the old guard and a new era, setting the stage for the golden age of American golf in the 1920s and beyond.