What Is 2007 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 2007 U.S. Open Golf Championship was the 107th edition of the tournament and one of the most dramatic in recent history. Held at the notoriously difficult Oakmont Country Club in Plum, Pennsylvania, it tested the world’s best golfers under punishing conditions.

With thick rough, fast greens, and narrow fairways, Oakmont provided a stern challenge. The tournament concluded with a dramatic three-way playoff, a rare occurrence in U.S. Open history, ultimately won by Argentina’s Angel Cabrera.

• June 14–18, 2007 marked the official dates of the championship, making it one of the longest-running annual golf events.
• Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania hosted the event for the eighth time, more than any other course in U.S. Open history.
• Angel Cabrera became the first Argentine to win the U.S. Open, finishing at +5 (285) after four grueling rounds.
• The course measured 7,250 yards and played to a par of 70, emphasizing length and precision over forgiveness.
• Only 10 players finished under 10-over par, highlighting the extreme difficulty of the course setup during the tournament week.

How It Works

The U.S. Open is structured to identify the most resilient and technically sound golfer through a combination of course design, scoring rules, and playoff formats. The 2007 edition followed these traditions with strict adherence to competitive integrity.

• Qualifying Rounds: A 36-hole cut reduced the field to the top 60 players and ties after two rounds, ensuring only the best advanced.
• Stroke Play Format: The first 72 holes were played under standard stroke play, where the lowest total score determined the leader.
• Playoff Rules: A sudden-death playoff was scheduled if needed, but in 2007, a three-hole aggregate playoff was used instead.
• Course Setup: The USGA set Oakmont with narrow fairways and high rough, resulting in a scoring average of 75.3 in the first round.
• Green Speeds: The greens averaged 12.5 on the Stimpmeter, among the fastest in U.S. Open history, demanding extreme putting precision.
• Weather Conditions: High temperatures and gusty winds over the weekend increased difficulty, with scores rising on the final two days.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the top finishers at the 2007 U.S. Open compared in final scores and key stats:

The leaderboard reflected the tight competition, with only one stroke separating first and third place. Cabrera’s consistency on the greens and composure during the playoff proved decisive, especially after missing a short putt on the 72nd hole that nearly cost him the title. Despite the pressure, his experience in major championships helped him prevail.

Why It Matters

The 2007 U.S. Open remains a landmark event in golf history due to its dramatic finish and the breakthrough victory of a non-traditional golfing nation. It highlighted the globalization of the sport and the increasing competitiveness at the highest level.

• Angel Cabrera’s win inspired a new generation of golfers in South America, proving players from emerging golf regions could win majors.
• The three-hole playoff format was rare and showcased the USGA’s commitment to fair, decisive tiebreakers under pressure.
• Course difficulty at Oakmont set a benchmark for future U.S. Open setups, influencing how future hosts prepared their layouts.
• Tiger Woods’ near-victory added to his legacy, even in defeat, as he remained a dominant force in major championships.
• The tournament drew over 200,000 spectators onsite, underscoring the popularity of the U.S. Open in American sports culture.
• Television ratings increased by 12% from 2006, reflecting public interest in the dramatic conclusion and Cabrera’s compelling story.

The 2007 U.S. Open remains a defining moment in modern golf, remembered for its intensity, fairness, and the emergence of an international champion on one of the game’s toughest stages.