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Will another amateur ever win the US Open?


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Posted
It's been 75 years since the last amateur, John Goodman, won the US Open. Only 5 men have ever done it. In 1913 Francis Ouimet won it. In '15 Jerome Travers did it. In '16 Chick Evans won. Then Bobby Jones won it in '23, '26, '29, & '30. Then, John Goodman won in 1933.

Since then there have been no amateurs win the US Open. Bobby Jones may have been an "amateur" but I think any of us would agree that his game was far from amateur. In today's day, he could make Tiger Woods money. And, if you are that good nowadays, you turn pro directly out of college.

So, let's add up the variable: the best players in the world turning pro earlier, and earlier in their careers, the prize money that is at stake in today's tournaments is amazing, with the advanced equipment of 21st century golf making players better and better, I could go on.

But, the question is will we ever see another amateur win the US Open?

Posted
But, the question is will we ever see another amateur win the US Open?

Short of an amazing day, no. In Jones' day, it was looked down upon to be a pro. Some pros weren't allowed in the clubhouses on the courses they'd play on TOUR for a while. Now that professional golf is viewed as a respectable profession (thankfully!), the only reason to remain amateur if you intend to play competitively is if you want a different career and to play competitively in your spare time. Trip Keuhne may well be the last of the career amateurs.

-- Michael | My swing! 

"You think you're Jim Furyk. That's why your phone is never charged." - message from my mother

Driver:  Titleist 915D2.  4-wood:  Titleist 917F2.  Titleist TS2 19 degree hybrid.  Tour Edge Exotics C723 21 degree hybrid.  Irons 5-U, Ping G400.  Wedges negotiable (currently 54 degree Cleveland, 58 degree Titleist) Edel putter. 

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Posted
Not to mention all the money in the game now. No way... these guys are turning pro much sooner rather than later.

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Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour


Posted
no way in hell.

What he said.

Bag: Grom
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3W: V-Steel 15° Graphite Designs YS-6 Stiff
3h-4h: Bobby Jones Stiff
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Posted
It is almost impossible, but only almost, .2%, a top am from europe or australia going to college in the US would be my choice.

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Posted
Why not - I saw the top ams from USA and Europe at the Walker Cup - admittidly they weren't all AAA rated players but a couple had potential to take on the pro's (McIlroy, Knost, Fowler) - McIlroy got his European Tour card in a few weeks on tour, Knost has won on the Nationwide Tour (or something) and I don't see why Fowler can't go one better this week.

The kid's got game.

Sure you need a lot more in a major but he's streaks ahead of many top pro's, majo champions and seasoned major veterans. Round 2 will be interesting!

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Posted
I don't see why Fowler can't go one better this week.

No chance.

Heck, if he plays halfway decent this week he'll probably be turning pro soon. Maybe on Monday.

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour


Posted
sure i think it's possible. the 4 best rounds of your life is all it takes. look at someone like shaun micheel. he won the pga championship surprisingly and only ever won on the nationwide tour once and on the asian tour once.

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Note: This thread is 6570 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

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