What Is 1933 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1933 U.S. Open Golf Championship marked a historic moment in American golf, held from June 15 to 17 at the North Shore Country Club in Glen Head, New York. This event was notable not only for its competitive field but also for being the last time an amateur golfer claimed victory in the tournament’s history.

Johnny Goodman, a 23-year-old amateur from Omaha, Nebraska, captured the title with a four-round total of 287 (+7), edging out professional Ralph Guldahl by a single stroke. His win remains a benchmark for amateur excellence in U.S. golf history, symbolizing a rare triumph over seasoned professionals.

• Winner: Johnny Goodman, an amateur, finished with a total score of 287 (+7), securing the championship by one stroke.
• Dates: The tournament was played over three days, from June 15 to 17, 1933, a format that changed after World War II.
• Location: Held at North Shore Country Club in Glen Head, New York, a course designed by Devereux Emmet and opened in 1914.
• Course details: Played as a par 71 over 6,600 yards, the layout challenged players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
• Historical significance: Goodman remains the last amateur to win the U.S. Open, a record standing for over 90 years.

How It Works

The U.S. Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play event, with the lowest total score winning. In 1933, the format included 36 holes on the final day, a grueling test of endurance and precision under pressure.

• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with 36 holes played on the final day, a practice discontinued in later years.
• Amateur status: Johnny Goodman competed as an amateur, meaning he received no prize money and retained eligibility for amateur events.
• Scoring: Goodman shot rounds of 73-73-70-71, showing consistency under pressure on a difficult course.
• Runner-up: Ralph Guldahl, a rising professional, finished second at 288 (+8), just one shot behind Goodman.
• Prize money: The winner’s share was $1,000, though Goodman, as an amateur, did not accept it.
• Course setup: North Shore CC was set up with thick rough and fast greens, typical of U.S. Open challenges designed to test accuracy.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1933 U.S. Open with modern editions highlights significant changes in format, technology, and player demographics.

The evolution of golf equipment, course design, and player training is evident in these comparisons. While 1933’s winner played with hickory-shafted clubs and minimal course preparation, modern champions benefit from advanced analytics, fitness regimens, and precision-engineered gear. Despite these changes, the U.S. Open remains golf’s ultimate test of resilience.

Why It Matters

The 1933 U.S. Open stands as a pivotal moment in golf history, illustrating the potential for amateurs to compete at the highest level. Goodman’s victory continues to inspire aspiring golfers and underscores the sport’s democratic roots.

• Legacy of amateurs: Goodman’s win remains a symbol of amateur achievement in a now predominantly professional sport.
• Historical benchmark: No amateur has won the U.S. Open since, making this a 90-year-old record that still stands.
• Influence on golf culture: The win inspired future generations to pursue excellence, regardless of professional status.
• Course design evolution: North Shore’s layout influenced future U.S. Open course setups, emphasizing strategic difficulty.
• Media coverage: The event received national attention, helping to popularize golf during the Great Depression.
• Endurance test: The 36-hole final day highlighted player stamina, a factor less emphasized in modern, televised formats.

Today, the 1933 U.S. Open is remembered not just for its outcome, but for what it represented: a rare confluence of skill, determination, and historical significance in American sports.