The 17 Greatest US Open Golf Champions of All Time

From golden-era trailblazers to modern-day major machines, a century of US Open history has produced champions for every era and style. Cast your vote!

1

Jack Nicklaus

Won four US Opens (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980) and is widely considered the greatest golfer of all time.

1000pts

2

Ben Hogan

Four-time US Open champion (1948–1953) who won two titles after surviving a near-fatal car accident.

795pts

3

Hale Irwin

Three-time champion (1974, 1979, 1990) who became the oldest US Open winner at age 45.

778pts

4

Willie Anderson

First golfer to win four US Opens (1901–1905), setting a record that stood for decades.

778pts

5

Jordan Spieth

Won the 2015 US Open as part of a dominant season where he nearly completed the calendar Grand Slam.

733pts

6

Ernie Els

Won two US Opens (1994, 1997) as the smooth-swinging Big Easy from South Africa.

733pts

7

Payne Stewart

Two-time champion (1991, 1999) best remembered for his iconic fist-pump finish at Pinehurst No. 2.

681pts

8

Tom Watson

Won the 1982 US Open at Pebble Beach, completing a career that defined golf's golden era.

681pts

9

Brooks Koepka

Dominated with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, proving he is at his best in the toughest tests.

619pts

10

Phil Mickelson

Finally won the 2021 US Open at age 50, becoming the oldest major champion in golf history.

619pts

11

Johnny Miller

Shot a final-round 63 at Oakmont in 1973, widely regarded as the greatest closing round in US Open history.

619pts

12

Bryson DeChambeau

Two-time champion (2020, 2024) who redefined the modern power game with his scientific approach to the sport.

619pts

13

Arnold Palmer

His iconic 1960 US Open charge helped make golf a television phenomenon and earned him a permanent place in major lore.

545pts

14

Dustin Johnson

Won the 2016 US Open at Oakmont after years of heartbreak in majors, finally breaking through on golf's biggest stage.

545pts

15

Tiger Woods

Won the US Open three times (2000, 2002, 2008), including a dominant 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000.

545pts

16

Bobby Jones

Won four US Opens in the 1920s as an amateur and remains one of the most celebrated figures in golf history.

545pts

17

Rory McIlroy

Demolished the field at the 2011 US Open, setting a scoring record at Congressional.

454pts