What Is 1991 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1991 U.S. Open Golf Championship marked a pivotal moment in golf history, held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. It was the 91st edition of the tournament and featured a dramatic final round that solidified Payne Stewart’s legacy in professional golf.

With challenging course conditions and high stakes, the event drew top players from around the world. Stewart’s comeback on the final day, highlighted by a brilliant 66, showcased resilience and precision under pressure.

• Payne Stewart claimed his first U.S. Open title, finishing with a total score of 278 (−2), one stroke ahead of Scott Simpson.
• The tournament was held from June 13–16, 1991, marking the first time Hazeltine National hosted the U.S. Open.
• Stewart’s final-round 66 was the lowest round of the week and included five birdies in the last ten holes.
• Defending champion John Daly missed the cut, failing to replicate his 1990 success.
• The course played to a length of 7,178 yards with a par of 72, presenting a stern test for competitors.

Final Round Drama

The final day of the 1991 U.S. Open delivered one of the most memorable performances in tournament history. Payne Stewart entered the final round trailing but delivered a near-flawless performance to clinch victory.

• Final-hole birdie: Stewart sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, securing a one-stroke lead and the championship.
• Scott Simpson’s performance: Simpson shot a final-round 67 but could not overcome Stewart’s late surge, finishing at 279 (−1).
• Course difficulty: Hazeltine’s thick rough and fast greens led to an average scoring average of 74.3 for the week.
• Weather impact: Cool temperatures and wind on Saturday slowed scoring, with only two sub-70 rounds recorded.
• Tom Kite’s collapse: Kite held the 54-hole lead but shot 76 on Sunday, finishing tied for fifth at 283 (+3).
• Aggregate playoff rule: The 1991 U.S. Open was the first to use a two-hole aggregate playoff if needed, though Stewart’s win made it unnecessary.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of top finishers in the 1991 U.S. Open highlights the tight competition and Stewart’s clutch performance.

The leaderboard illustrates how narrow the margins were at the top. Stewart’s consistency across all four rounds, combined with his final-day brilliance, set him apart. The tightly packed scores reflect the difficulty of Hazeltine and the high level of competition.

Why It Matters

The 1991 U.S. Open remains a landmark event in golf history due to its dramatic finish and the emergence of Payne Stewart as a major champion. It also showcased the evolving format and competitive rigor of the U.S. Open.

• Stewart’s legacy: This victory was the first of two U.S. Open wins for Stewart, who later won in 1999 shortly before his tragic death.
• Course design significance: Hazeltine’s layout by Robert Trent Jones Sr. was praised for its balance of challenge and fairness.
• Television impact: The final round was widely televised, boosting Stewart’s popularity and the visibility of the U.S. Open.
• Historical context: The 1991 Open was the first after the USGA implemented stricter equipment regulations to maintain course integrity.
• Playoff format change: The introduction of the two-hole aggregate playoff marked a shift from sudden death, emphasizing consistency.
• Inspiration for future champions: Stewart’s composure under pressure became a model for aspiring golfers in subsequent decades.