The 1914 U.S. Open, the 20th iteration of the prestigious golf tournament, offered a snapshot of the sport in the early 20th century. Held from August 20–21 at the Midlothian Country Club in Midlothian, Illinois, a suburb southwest of Chicago, the event saw 66 players compete for the championship. This tournament was notable for the emergence of Walter Hagen, who, at just 21 years old, claimed his first of two U.S. Open titles and the first of his impressive
eleven major championships.
The Midlothian Country Club provided the backdrop for this significant event. The course was set at a par of 72 and measured 6,421 yards (5,871 meters) in length, presenting a considerable challenge to the competitors of the era. The tournament followed a stroke play format over 72 holes, a standard structure for major golf championships. The United States Golf Association (USGA) organized the event, ensuring its adherence to established rules and traditions.
The Field and Early Leaders
The field of 66 players included both seasoned professionals and promising amateurs. Among them was defending champion Francis Ouimet, who had made history the previous year. Walter Hagen quickly distinguished himself, opening with a U.S. Open record score of 68, which placed him a stroke ahead of Ouimet. This strong start set the tone for Hagen's dominant performance throughout the tournament.
After 36 holes, Hagen maintained his lead, holding a one-shot advantage over Tom McNamara. As the tournament progressed into the final round, Hagen had extended his lead to two strokes over McNamara, with Ouimet three shots back. However, the final day saw a shift in the leaderboard dynamics. McNamara and Ouimet were unable to sustain their challenge, recording rounds of 83 and 78 respectively, which caused them to drop out of contention for the title.
The Final Challenge and Outcome
The stage was then set for amateur Chick Evans to make a late push. Evans, known for his hard-charging style, became the last player with a realistic chance of catching Hagen. His performance over the final 36 holes was remarkable, setting a new U.S. Open record for that stretch with a score of 141, although this record would be surpassed just two years later. Despite his efforts, Evans needed a two on the 18th hole to force a tie, but his chip from the edge of the green came up just short.
Walter Hagen, demonstrating exceptional composure, birdied the 18th hole for the fourth consecutive round—a feat unprecedented and unmatched by any U.S. Open champion before or since. This final birdie secured his victory by a single stroke over Evans, with a total score of 290 (+2). The winner's share for Hagen was $300, a significant prize for the time. The tournament also marked the sixth and final U.S. Open appearance for two-time champion John McDermott, who tied for ninth place at the age of 22.
