1981 U.S. Open (golf)

The 1981 U.S. Open was the 81st U.S. Open, held June 18–21 at the East Course of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia. David Graham won his second major title and became the first Australian to win the U.S. Open, three strokes ahead of runners-up George Burns and Bill Rogers.[1][2][3]

1981 U.S. Open

Tournament information
Dates	June 18–21, 1981
Location	Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Course(s)	Merion Golf Club East Course
Organized by	USGA
Tour(s)	PGA Tour
Statistics
Par	70
Length	6,544 yards (5,984 m)[1]
Field	156 players, 70 after cut
Cut	147 (+7)
Prize fund	$361,730
Winner's share	$55,000
Champion
David Graham
273 (−7)

Merion GC

Location in the United States

After a first round 66, Jim Thorpe made history as the first African-American since 1896 to lead the U.S. Open.[4] Burns took a one-stroke lead over Graham with a 66 in the second round, then increased his lead to three strokes after 54 holes.

In the final round on Sunday, Graham shot one of the most precise rounds in U.S. Open history. He hit every green in regulation, missed just one fairway, and recorded four birdies, missing several other opportunities from within 10 feet (3 m). The only bogey was a three-putt at the fifth, after his approach shot stopped above the hole.[5] After a string of eight pars, Graham finally passed Burns with birdies at the 14th and 15th holes. Graham carded a 67 to Burns' 73 to win by three strokes. Rogers shot 69 to tie Burns for 2nd and won the British Open four weeks later.

This was the fourth U.S. Open played at Merion, all at its East Course. Previous editions were hosted in 1934, 1950, and 1971. At 6,544 yards (5,984 m),[1] the same length as 1971, it was the shortest U.S. Open course since 1947. With heavy rains softening the course before the tournament, 93 rounds of par 70 or better were recorded. Fifteen players were under par after 36 holes, but only five finished under par for the four rounds. Five more were at even par 280, including defending champion Jack Nicklaus, a four-time winner.

After 1981, the U.S. Open was not played at Merion until 2013.