Golf Figures

Francis Ouimet

A Hall of Fame American amateur golfer known for his historic 1913 U.S. Open Championship victory over Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.
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Francis Ouimet was a Hall of Fame American amateur golfer born May 8, 1893 in Brookline, Massachusetts (died September 2, 1967). Ouimet is known for his historic 1913 U.S. Open victory as a 20-year-old amateur. Ouimet defeated Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club in Brookline. The victory transformed American golf and inspired widespread golf participation in the United States. Ouimet also won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931. Ouimet was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

How Golfers Say It

"Ouimet at Brookline in 1913."
"Beat Vardon and Ray."
"Greatest golf upset."

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Origin

Francis DeSales Ouimet was born May 8, 1893 in Brookline, Massachusetts directly across the street from The Country Club. Ouimet caddied at The Country Club as a young man and developed his game on the course. Ouimet remained an amateur throughout his playing career.

Rules & Context

Francis Ouimet won the 1913 U.S. Open as a 20-year-old amateur defeating Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff. Ouimet also won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931. Ouimet captained multiple U.S. Walker Cup teams. Ouimet was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and was the first American captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1951.

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Neil's Take

"Francis Ouimet won the 1913 U.S. Open as a 20-year-old amateur defeating English legends Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club in Brookline. Ouimet was a working-class American caddie who grew up across the street from The Country Club. The victory is considered the greatest upset in golf history and transformed American golf participation. Ouimet later won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931."

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 1913 U.S. Open story?

20-year-old amateur beats Vardon. Francis Ouimet won the 1913 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline as a 20-year-old amateur, defeating English legends Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff. Ouimet shot 72 to Vardon's 77 and Ray's 78. The victory is considered the greatest upset in golf history and transformed American golf participation.

Where did Ouimet grow up?

Across from The Country Club. Francis Ouimet grew up directly across the street from The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts where he would win the 1913 U.S. Open. Ouimet caddied at The Country Club as a young man and developed his game on the course.

Did Ouimet remain an amateur?

Yes throughout his career. Francis Ouimet remained an amateur throughout his playing career, never turning professional. Ouimet won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931. Ouimet captained multiple U.S. Walker Cup teams and was the first American captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1951.

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