What Is 1938 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1938 U.S. Open Golf Championship marked a significant milestone in golf history, held at the high-altitude Cherry Hills Country Club near Englewood, Colorado. It was the 42nd edition of the tournament and notable for being the first U.S. Open played west of the Mississippi River, reflecting the growing national reach of the event.

Defending champion Ralph Guldahl claimed victory with a four-round total of 281 (+1), two strokes ahead of runner-up Sammy Byrd. The tournament drew top players of the era, including Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, both of whom finished well behind Guldahl, highlighting his dominance under pressure.

• June 9–11, 1938: The tournament spanned three days due to scheduling norms of the era, with all 72 holes completed consecutively.
• Cherry Hills Country Club: Located at over 5,400 feet elevation, the thin air affected ball flight and club selection, presenting a unique challenge.
• Ralph Guldahl: Became the first player since Scottish golfer John Reid to win consecutive U.S. Opens, a feat not repeated until Ben Hogan in the 1950s.
• Final Score of 281 (+1): Remarkable given the course conditions and lack of modern equipment, with par set at 70 for the layout.
• Attendance: Over 15,000 spectators attended, drawn by the novelty of a major championship in the Rocky Mountain region.

Player Performances and Tournament Dynamics

The 1938 U.S. Open featured intense competition among the top golfers of the decade, though Guldahl maintained consistent control throughout. His final-round 70, carded under windy conditions, sealed his place in golf history and solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.

• Round 1 Leader: Sam Snead opened with a 69 but faded in later rounds, finishing tied for fifth at 288.
• Byron Nelson: Finished in a tie for third with a 285, struggling on the greens despite strong ball-striking.
• Ben Hogan: In only his second U.S. Open, Hogan shot 287, showing early signs of his future major success.
• Sammy Byrd: Nicknamed 'The Bryd,' he pushed Guldahl with a final-round 68 but came up two strokes short.
• Course Conditions: Dry, firm fairways and fast greens tested precision, with only five players finishing under 290.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performances at the 1938 U.S. Open versus previous years and future trends in scoring and participation.

The data shows Guldahl’s 1938 performance was consistent with his 1937 win, both at 281, though the Colorado altitude made ball control more difficult. His ability to adapt to unfamiliar conditions distinguished him from contemporaries like Nelson and Hogan, who excelled later but were still developing in 1938. The trend of rising attendance and geographic expansion of the U.S. Open is also evident, with Cherry Hills setting a precedent for future western venues.

Why It Matters

The 1938 U.S. Open was a turning point in American golf, both for its geographic significance and the emergence of Guldahl as a dominant figure. It demonstrated that major championships could succeed outside traditional eastern strongholds, paving the way for future events in California, Texas, and beyond.

• National Expansion: Hosting the Open in Colorado signaled the USGA’s commitment to making the event truly national, not just regional.
• Guldahl’s Legacy: His back-to-back wins placed him among the elite, though he would retire from competitive golf soon after.
• Altitude Factor: The high elevation introduced a new variable in course strategy, influencing future course setups in mountainous regions.
• Media Coverage: The tournament received widespread newspaper coverage, boosting golf’s popularity during the Great Depression.
• Player Development: Future legends like Hogan and Nelson gained crucial experience, shaping their eventual major successes.
• Historical Benchmark: The 1938 Open remains a reference point for studying pre-war golf and the evolution of tournament conditions.

Ultimately, the 1938 U.S. Open was more than a tournament—it was a milestone that expanded the boundaries of American golf and highlighted the skill and adaptability of its champions.