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Phil Mickelson’s 2006 U.S. Open loss at Winged Foot remains one of the most heartbreaking finishes in major golf history. Standing on the 18th tee with a one-shot lead, he chose to hit a driver—a high-risk choice—and pulled it into the trees. The resulting double bogey cost him the tournament. Mickelson’s decision was heavily criticized and widely discussed. It showcased how even the greatest players can falter under pressure, particularly in the unforgiving conditions typical of the U.S. Open.

The U.S. Open traditionally ends on Sunday afternoon, aligning with global broadcast standards and weekend viewer habits. This scheduling enhances accessibility for spectators and adds to the event’s drama as viewers expect a climactic finish on the final hole. Although playoff rounds were historically played on Mondays, the final competitive round of stroke play is planned for Sunday. This aligns the U.S. Open with the typical format seen in other major championships while preserving its own identity.

The U.S. Open uses the stroke play format, which is standard in all four golf majors. Stroke play tallies the total number of strokes taken over the course of four rounds (72 holes), rewarding consistency and punishing mistakes. This format is especially suited for the Open’s challenging setup, where every shot counts. The format makes the event more accessible for fans following scores and leaderboards in real time, and it ensures that the winner has proven themselves over multiple rounds of difficult play.

U.S. Open courses are designed to be a mental and physical grind, and the key challenge lies in thick rough and lightning-fast greens. These elements make recovery shots more difficult and place a premium on accuracy rather than power. The USGA sets up the course to demand exacting shot-making and mental stamina. Unlike other majors, the Open often has par as a winning score or close to it, with the course setup designed to punish even slight mistakes with bogeys or worse.

The USGA's goal in setting up U.S. Open courses is to reward players who demonstrate precision, discipline, and course management. Unlike tournaments that allow aggressive scoring, the U.S. Open challenges players to stay mentally composed while executing conservative, strategic play. The focus is on avoiding big mistakes, not just making birdies. This philosophy forces players to show restraint, navigate narrow fairways, and control spin on fast greens—skills that define championship-level golf.

The standard field for the U.S. Open consists of 156 players, combining automatic qualifiers with those who earn spots through sectional and local qualifying. This large field size allows for inclusivity while still maintaining elite standards. It enables amateurs and lesser-known professionals to compete alongside top-ranked players, contributing to the tournament’s unpredictability and drama. After two rounds, the field is cut to the low 60 and ties, ensuring a manageable final weekend while maintaining the event’s competitive depth.

In 2000, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by a historic 15-stroke margin. This remains the largest margin of victory in major championship history. Woods finished at 12-under par, while the second-place competitors were three over par. His performance that week was not only flawless but a demonstration of total control, mental focus, and unmatched skill. That win is widely considered one of the greatest in golf history and solidified his dominance in the early 2000s.

Harry Vardon was the first non-American to win the U.S. Open, doing so in 1900. A British professional golfer, Vardon’s win marked a turning point in the internationalization of the sport. His swing technique and equipment innovations influenced generations of golfers. The presence of international players like Vardon in early U.S. Opens helped grow the prestige and global recognition of the tournament. His name also lives on in the Vardon Trophy, awarded annually to the PGA Tour player with the lowest scoring average.

Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania has hosted the U.S. Open more times than any other course. Known for its brutally fast greens and penal rough, Oakmont has been the venue for nine U.S. Opens as of 2024. The USGA favors Oakmont due to its natural difficulty and ability to separate the best players from the field under challenging conditions. It has become synonymous with the Open’s tough reputation, offering a historical and competitive test year after year.

Bobby Jones was the first golfer to win the U.S. Open four times, with victories in 1923, 1926, 1929, and 1930. His dominance in the 1920s established him as one of the most influential figures in golf history. Unlike modern professionals, Jones was an amateur throughout his career, which makes his U.S. Open record even more impressive. His legacy is foundational to the history of the tournament and American golf in general, and his achievements continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the sport.