What Is 1977 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1977 U.S. Open Golf Championship was the 77th edition of the tournament and a defining moment in professional golf history. Held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it showcased a dominant performance by Hubert Green, who claimed his first and only U.S. Open title.

The event was notable for its challenging course conditions and the competitive field, which included past champions and rising stars. Green’s victory solidified his status as one of the premier golfers of the 1970s.

• June 16–19, 1977 marks the exact dates the tournament was played, falling in mid-June as per U.S. Open tradition.
• Hubert Green won with a four-round total of 279 (+1), overcoming tough weather and a firm, fast course layout.
• Lou Graham finished second at 285 (+7), six strokes behind Green, marking his second runner-up finish in a major.
• Southern Hills Country Club hosted the event for the second time, having previously held the 1958 U.S. Open won by Tommy Bolt.
• Left-handed victory: Green became the first left-handed golfer to win the U.S. Open since Cyril Walker in 1924.

How It Works

The U.S. Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play event, with the field narrowed after 36 holes through a cut rule. The 1977 edition followed this format, testing players’ endurance and precision under punishing conditions.

• 72-Hole Format: The tournament consists of four rounds of 18 holes played over four days, with the lowest total score winning. In 1977, weather delays did not affect the schedule.
• Field Size:156 players started the tournament, including professionals and qualifiers, with only the top 60 and ties advancing after 36 holes.
• Course Conditions: Southern Hills played to 6,957 yards and a par of 70, with thick rough and fast greens designed to challenge accuracy.
• Weather Impact: High temperatures and wind during the weekend increased difficulty, contributing to an average scoring average of 74.2 for the field.
• Prize Money: The winner earned $25,000 from a total purse of $125,000, a significant sum for the era but modest by modern standards.
• Amateur Participation: Only three amateurs made the cut, highlighting the dominance of professionals; the low amateur was John Fought, who finished T11.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1977 U.S. Open with other major championships of the decade reveals key differences in scoring, competition, and course setup.

The 1977 U.S. Open stood out for its decisive six-stroke margin, unusually large for the era, reflecting Green’s consistency and the struggles of his closest rivals. Unlike the tight finishes of 1975 and 1976, this victory was a display of sustained excellence over four days.

Why It Matters

The 1977 U.S. Open remains a significant milestone in golf history due to its blend of individual achievement and historical context. Green’s win broke a long drought for left-handed champions and underscored the growing professionalism of the PGA Tour.

• Historic breakthrough: Green was the first left-handed golfer to win the U.S. Open in over 50 years, since Cyril Walker’s 1924 victory.
• Course legacy: Southern Hills has since hosted multiple majors, with the 1977 event cementing its reputation as a premier U.S. Open venue.
• Player recognition: The win elevated Green’s career, giving him his second major title after the 1971 PGA Championship.
• Television impact: The tournament was broadcast nationally, increasing visibility for golf during a period of rising TV popularity.
• Competitive benchmark: A six-stroke margin in a major was rare, demonstrating Green’s ability to manage pressure and course conditions.
• Influence on future events: The setup at Southern Hills influenced future U.S. Open course preparations, emphasizing tight fairways and thick rough.

The 1977 U.S. Open remains a touchstone for fans and historians, illustrating how individual excellence can shape the narrative of a sport during a transformative era.