U.S. Open countdown: Anderson adds 1903 title to his collection
9th U.S. Open | June 26-29, 1903
Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, N.J.
Leaderboard
| x-Willie Anderson, Scotland | 73 | - | 76 | - | 76 | - | 82 | — | 307 |
| David Brown, Scotland | 79 | - | 77 | - | 75 | - | 76 | — | 307 |
| Stewart Gardner, Scotland | 77 | - | 77 | - | 82 | - | 79 | — | 315 |
| Alex Smith, Scotland | 77 | - | 77 | - | 81 | - | 81 | — | 316 |
| Donald Ross, Scotland | 79 | - | 79 | - | 78 | - | 82 | — | 318 |
| x - Won playoff |
When it comes to naming four-time U.S. Open winners, three of them come to mind rather easily: amateur Bobby Jones (1923, ’26, ’29, ’30), and professionals Ben Hogan (1948, ’50, ’51, ’53) and Jack Nicklaus (1962, ’67, ’72, ’80). The fourth is Willie Anderson, a burly Scot who won in 1901 and is the only man to win three consecutive U.S. Opens (1903-05).
Born in North Berwick and growing up in East Lothian, Anderson was regarded not only as a talented golfer, but a fine club-maker. At 16, he immigrated to the United States to become the head professional at Misquamicut Golf Club in Rhode Island. That is when started playing — and winning — tournaments.
Known for his deadly accuracy, he also won four Western Open titles to go along with the U.S. Opens. Once the professional at Baltusrol as well, Anderson lost a big lead in the final round Saturday to fall into a tie with David Brown. The playoff was held Monday — again, Sunday was reserved for member play — in a heavy rainstorm. The match was tied before Brown hit a tee shot out of bounds on the 15th hole to lose. Anderson shot 82; Brown 84. An interesting sidenote to this tournament was Hall of Fame baseball player John Montgomery Ward entered the U.S. Open as an amateur, placing 56th.
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
This story was originally published March 17, 2015 at 3:44 PM with the headline "U.S. Open countdown: Anderson adds 1903 title to his collection."