The 1899 U.S. Open marked a significant moment in golf history, as Willie Smith secured his only major title with a performance that set new standards for dominance. Held from September 14–15 at the Baltimore Country Club in Baltimore, Maryland, this fifth iteration of the U.S. Open saw Smith achieve a record-setting eleven-stroke lead over his closest competitors. His victory was not just a win, but a display of consistent excellence, making him
a memorable champion in the early days of American professional golf. Smith's achievement would stand as the largest margin of victory in the U.S. Open for over a century, highlighting the exceptional nature of his play.
A Masterclass in Consistency
Willie Smith's path to victory at the 1899 U.S. Open was characterized by remarkable consistency, a trait that set him apart from the field. Playing out of Midlothian Country Club in Chicago, Smith was the sole participant to record three rounds under 80 strokes during the championship. His final scores were 77, 82, 79, and 77, culminating in a total of 315 strokes. This consistent performance meant he never scored higher than a seven on any single hole throughout the entire tournament, a testament to his steady play and ability to avoid major errors.On the first day, Thursday, September 14, Smith started strong, co-leading with Willie Anderson in the morning round, both posting a score of 77. While Anderson briefly took the lead in the afternoon with a total of 158, Smith remained just one stroke behind. This close competition early on set the stage for Smith's eventual breakaway, demonstrating his ability to stay within striking distance before asserting his dominance.
Pulling Away from the Field
The turning point in the tournament for Willie Smith came during the third round on Friday morning. While Willie Anderson, who had held a slight lead, struggled with an 85, Smith capitalized on the opportunity. This allowed Smith to establish a four-stroke lead over Alex Campbell, who had been another contender. Smith's ability to maintain his composure and deliver a strong performance when others faltered was crucial to building his advantage.Smith further solidified his lead in the final round on Friday afternoon. His score of 77 in the afternoon session effectively distanced him from the rest of the field. In contrast, Alex Campbell, who had been in contention, saw his score balloon to a 94, causing him to drop significantly to twelfth place. This final push by Smith underscored his superior play under pressure and his ability to close out the championship decisively.
A Record-Breaking Margin and Lasting Legacy
Willie Smith's eleven-stroke margin of victory at the 1899 U.S. Open was an extraordinary feat. This record stood for 101 years, only to be surpassed by Tiger Woods' fifteen-shot win in 2000. The scale of Smith's win highlights the exceptional quality of his golf during the tournament. Three players—Val Fitzjohn, George Low, and Bert Way—tied for second place, all finishing with a total of 326 strokes, precisely eleven strokes behind Smith.For his triumph, Smith was awarded a gold medal and was granted custody of the Championship Cup for a year. His victory was not just a personal achievement but also a significant event in the history of the U.S. Open, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen. Interestingly, his brother, Alex Smith, who would later become a two-time U.S. Open champion himself, finished seventh in this same tournament, further cementing the Smith family's early impact on American golf.
