The US Open Golf Championship is the second-oldest United States Golf Association championship, and it is one of the four major tournaments of men's golf (U.S. Open). US Open golf is played annually at various locations. The tournament usually takes place at the end of June. The USGA conducts the tournament and prides itself on selecting very challenging courses, requiring excellent strategic and physical skills (Parker).

History of US Open Golf

    Only 11 golfers competed in the first US Open Golf Championship October 4, 1895. The event, held in Newport, Rhode Island, was not a featured event at the time (Historical Notes). However, the Championship gained fame through the early 1900s. Notable events included 20-year old American amateur Francis Ouimet defeating famed English golf stars Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a hotly contested play off (Historical Notes). Also, Bobby Jones, an amateur from Georgia, won the US Open four times -- 1923, 1926, 1929 and 1930 -- generating even more fame for the tournament. With the Championships growth in prestige came more competitors, and the USGA implemented sectional qualifying in 1924 (Historical Notes). With the popularity of US Open golf soaring, in 1954 the course had to be roped off from tee to green, and the competition was broadcast for the first time on national television (Historical Notes). In contrast to only having 11 competitors in the first US Open, in 2004 there were over 9,000 applicants for the Championship (Fact Sheet).

Past US Open Golf Winners

The greatest players of each era left their marks on US Open golf. However, only a few were able to repeat their championships, and even fewer did it three and four times. Below is a list of the golfers who have won the US Open three or more times.

US Open Golf Ticket Application

    The USGA manages the ticket sales of the US Open Golf Championship. There is a limited number of tickets, and you must submit an application almost a year in advance to have a chance at a ticket. The application deadline is mid August for the following year's Championship. Eligible recipients are selected on a random basis.  Ticket prices for 2007 range from $35 for a one-day practice round to $550 for a Trophy Club Season Ticket Package, which includes access to the course grounds and a special on-site air-conditioned tent for three practice rounds, four Championship rounds and one 18-hole Playoff, if required (Ticket Application).
    If you miss out on the deadline or your name wasn't one of the lucky few randomly selected, there are secondary market ticket sources offering US Open Golf Championship tickets. A quick online search will reveal many sources. However, because many online ticket outlets buy and sell in the secondary market, the price you pay for the ticket may be more than its original value.
    Though not as expensive as other tournaments, such as the Masters, the ticket expenses can add up quickly. If the ticket price is more than your budget can handle, you can still enjoy US Open golf on television with the millions of other Americans. And with the money you save, you can buy yourself that new driver you have been coveting.