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John McDermott

An American professional golfer known as the first American to win the U.S. Open and the first to win back-to-back U.S. Opens.
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John McDermott was an American professional golfer born August 12, 1891 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (died August 1, 1971). McDermott is known as the first American-born winner of the U.S. Open. McDermott won the 1911 and 1912 U.S. Opens, becoming the first American to win the championship and the first to win consecutive U.S. Opens. McDermott was 19 years old at his 1911 victory, remaining the youngest U.S. Open champion. McDermott was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame.

How Golfers Say It

"First American U.S. Open winner."
"Won at 19."
"Back-to-back '11-'12."

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Origin

John Joseph McDermott Jr. was born August 12, 1891 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. McDermott was an apprentice at the Aronimink Golf Club as a young man. McDermott turned professional as a teenager.

Rules & Context

John McDermott won two major championships (1911 U.S. Open and 1912 U.S. Open). McDermott was the first American-born winner of the U.S. Open and the youngest U.S. Open champion at age 19. McDermott was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame.

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Neil's Take

"John McDermott was the first American-born winner of the U.S. Open with his 1911 victory at age 19. McDermott successfully defended the U.S. Open in 1912 becoming the first player to win consecutive U.S. Opens. McDermott remains the youngest U.S. Open champion at age 19 years and 10 months."

Frequently Asked Questions

Was McDermott the first American U.S. Open winner?

Yes, in 1911. John McDermott was the first American-born winner of the U.S. Open with his 1911 victory at Chicago Golf Club. Before McDermott's victory, all U.S. Open champions had been British-born professionals who had emigrated to America. McDermott's victory established American golf at the international championship level.

How old was McDermott when he won?

19 years old. John McDermott won the 1911 U.S. Open at age 19 years and 10 months. McDermott remains the youngest U.S. Open champion in history. The age record has stood for more than a century.

Did McDermott win back-to-back?

Yes, 1911 and 1912. John McDermott won the 1911 U.S. Open at Chicago Golf Club and the 1912 U.S. Open at the Country Club of Buffalo. The back-to-back U.S. Opens established McDermott as the first player to win consecutive U.S. Opens.

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