The 1900 U.S. Open, the sixth iteration of this prestigious golf championship, offers a valuable insight into the early organization and structure of major golf tournaments in the United States. Held from
October 4–5 at the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois, the event was a significant undertaking for the United States Golf Association (USGA), which was responsible for its organization. This tournament showcased the established format and financial aspects that characterized professional golf at the turn of the 20th century.
Tournament Logistics and Format
The championship was a 72-hole stroke play event, a format that required competitors to play four rounds of golf, with their total strokes determining the winner. This structure was standard for major golf competitions of the era, emphasizing consistency and endurance over multiple days of play. The Chicago Golf Club, located in a suburb west of Chicago, served as the host venue. Its course, measuring 6,020 yards with a par of 74, presented a considerable challenge to the field of 62 golfers.
Unlike modern tournaments, there was no cut implemented at the 1900 U.S. Open. All 62 participants played all 72 holes, allowing every competitor to complete the full championship. This approach meant that even those who struggled in the initial rounds had the opportunity to finish the entire event, a practice that has since evolved in professional golf to reduce field sizes for the final rounds.
Financial Stakes and Prize Distribution
While the prestige of winning the U.S. Open was paramount, there were also financial incentives for the competitors. The total prize fund for the 1900 U.S. Open was $800, a substantial sum for the time. The winner's share, claimed by Harry Vardon, was $200. This prize money, though modest by today's standards, represented a significant reward for professional golfers in an era when the sport was still developing its commercial appeal.
The distribution of the remaining prize money among other top finishers is not detailed, but the winner's share highlights the financial structure of early professional golf. The presence of such a prize fund underscored the growing professionalism of the sport, attracting top talent like Harry Vardon and J.H. Taylor, who were also in the U.S. on business ventures related to golf. Their participation, driven by both competitive spirit and commercial interests, further legitimized the U.S. Open as a premier event.
The Course: Chicago Golf Club's Layout
The Chicago Golf Club's layout for the 1900 U.S. Open featured 18 holes, each with a distinct name and yardage. The "Out" nine totaled 3,090 yards with a par of 37, while the "In" nine measured 2,930 yards, also with a par of 37. Notable holes included the 460-yard "Burn" (Hole 1), the 520-yard "Long (Out)" (Hole 6), and the 500-yard "Long (In)" (Hole 13), indicating a mix of challenging long holes and shorter, strategic ones like the 140-yard "Pond (In)" (Hole 10). This detailed course structure provided a comprehensive test of skill for the golfers, contributing to the overall challenge of the championship.
