|
|
Francis Ouimet, a former caddie who rose from very humble beginnings, put golf on the map in terms of American interest by registering one of the greatest upsets in major-championship history. At the 1913 U.S. Open, Ouimet, the 20-year-old amateur, birdied the 71st hole to forge a tie with English stalwarts Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, forcing an 18-hole playoff. Few gave Ouimet a chance, especially against Vardon, the 1900 U.S. Open champion and five-time British Open winner (he would win six). But Ouimet overcame all the odds to shoot a 72, five better than Vardon and six ahead of Ray, to become the first amateur to win the Open. He later would win a pair of U.S. Amateur titles.
|
|
|
|