The 1900 U.S. Open marked a significant moment in golf history, as it was the only time the legendary Harry Vardon claimed the U.S. Open title. Held from October 4–5 at the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois, this sixth iteration of the championship saw Vardon emerge victorious by a narrow two-stroke margin over his formidable rival, J.H. Taylor. The event was highly anticipated, bringing together two-thirds of the "Great Triumvirate" of British
golf, setting the stage for a memorable contest in the American Midwest.
The Arrival of British Golfing Legends
Harry Vardon's presence at the 1900 U.S. Open was not merely for competition; he was in the United States to promote the "Vardon Flyer Ball." This tour provided the perfect opportunity for him to make his debut at the U.S. Open. Coincidentally, J.H. Taylor, another titan of British golf, was also in America on business and decided to enter the tournament. Their participation immediately elevated the event's profile, creating a highly anticipated matchup between these two great rivals who had already dominated the British golf scene.
The "Great Triumvirate" refers to Vardon, Taylor, and James Braid, three golfers who collectively defined British golf at the turn of the century. While Braid never competed in the U.S. Open, the clash between Vardon and Taylor in 1900 offered American golf fans a rare glimpse of this elite rivalry. The tournament was organized by the USGA and followed a stroke play format over 72 holes, a standard for major championships of the era.
The Battle on the Chicago Golf Club Course
The Chicago Golf Club, located in Wheaton, Illinois, provided the challenging backdrop for this historic event. The course measured 6,020 yards with a par of 74. The competition unfolded over two days, with players completing 36 holes each day. On Thursday morning, J.H. Taylor initially took a two-shot lead with an opening round of 76. However, his afternoon round of 82 allowed Vardon to pull ahead, leaving Taylor one stroke behind after 36 holes.
The momentum shifted further on Friday morning. Vardon carded a 76, extending his lead to four strokes over Taylor. At this point, Taylor was seven strokes clear of the rest of the field, indicating the dominance of these two British professionals. Despite Vardon's final round of 80, which brought his total to 313, he maintained his lead. Taylor's closing 78 resulted in a total of 315, securing Vardon's victory by two strokes. Local Chicago professional David Bell finished a distant third with a score of 322.
Legacy and Future Appearances
While Harry Vardon secured his only U.S. Open title in 1900, neither he nor Taylor would win another major championship outside of The Open Championship, which they collectively won eleven times. Vardon did not return to the U.S. Open until 1913, where he, along with Ted Ray, lost in a playoff to amateur Francis Ouimet, a match that became legendary in its own right. Vardon also made a third and final appearance in 1920, finishing as runner-up. Taylor's U.S. Open career was even more limited, as he played in the event only once more, also in 1913, where he placed thirtieth. The 1900 U.S. Open thus stands as a unique highlight in Vardon's illustrious career and a testament to the competitive spirit of early professional golf.
