Worst Scores in US Open History: Records for Highest Round and Highest 72-Hole Winning Score

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

The 2021 US Open is upon us, and this event carries plenty of history. Over 100 years old, the US Open was first played in 1985, when Horace Rawlins won $150 by taking first place with a two-round score of 173 (91-82).

Golf has obviously come a long way since then, and the US Open has seen its fair share of legendary performances. On the other hand, thanks to the supreme difficult of US Open courses, there have been a few notable performances these golfers would like to forget.

With that in mind, here's a look at the highest scoring round in US Open history, categorized by each round and any round across the weekend. We've also included the highest scoring rounds by winning golfers in this list.

Highest Scoring Round in US Open History

The all-time highest-scoring or worst US Open round took place in 1898 when J.D. Tucker shot a 157 for 18 holes. Tucker shot this 157 in the first round of the 1898 US Open and owns the highest-score ever recorded in an opening round at this historic golf tournament.

Highest Scoring Second Round in US Open History

In 1899, W.E. Stoddard recorded the highest-scoring second round of all-time at the US Open after shooting a 106 on the Roland Park Course.

Highest Scoring Third Round in US Open History

In the same year of 1899, O. McCammon shot a 110 in the third round at the Roland Park Course. This is considered the highest-scoring third round in US Open history.

Highest Scoring Fourth Round in US Open History

McCammon also owns the highest-scoring round of all-time for a fourth round at the US Open. He shot 116 at the Roland Park Course, also in 1899.

Highest Score to Lead Field After First Round in US Open History

Three players tied for the highest score to ever lead the US Open field after 18 holes or one round. This took place in 1895 when Willie Dunn, James Foulis and Willie Campbell each finished with 89.

Highest Score to Lead Field After 36 Holes in US Open History

In the same year of 1895, Horace Rawlins recorded the highest score to lead the US Open field after 36 holes or two rounds when he shot 173 (91-82).

Highest Score to Lead Field After 54 Holes in US Open History

Stewart Gardner owns the highest score to ever lead the US Open after 54 holes or three rounds. He recorded a score of 249 in 1901 with rounds of 86-82-81.

Highest Winning Score in US Open History

The highest winning score in US Open history belongs to Willie Anderson. He recorded a total score of 331 over 72 holes or four rounds in the 1901 tournament. Anderson won this US Open title in a playoff.

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