US Open Past Winners
The list of US Open winners reads like a roll-call of golf's most patient, accurate players, which is no accident given the brutal setup. This guide covers the history and the South African record, useful evergreen context when you weigh up a field. For live prices and the current field, see the US Open betting page.
A major built for grinders
US Open history rewards the same traits the setup demands: accuracy, patience and a calm short game. Winners tend to be players who avoid big mistakes rather than those who overpower a course, because narrow fairways and thick rough punish the wild. Venues rotate across classic US championship courses, but the character holds year to year: par is a good score and even-par often wins. That consistency makes past results useful evergreen context rather than a one-off.
The South African record
South Africa has plundered the US Open more than any other major. Retief Goosen won it twice, in 2001 and 2004, and Ernie Els won it twice, in 1994 and 1997, four SA titles between two players. Both were patient, accurate competitors who suited the test perfectly, which is why backing a steady South African grinder each-way remains a popular local play. See the sibling majors for comparison: The Masters, The Open and the PGA Championship.
Frequently asked questions
Which South Africans have won the US Open?
Retief Goosen won twice (2001 and 2004) and Ernie Els won twice (1994 and 1997). That is four South African US Open titles between two players, the major SA has had most success in.
Does US Open history help with betting?
As evergreen context, yes. The setup consistently rewards accurate, patient grinders, so the profile of past winners is a useful read on who tends to contend, though it is no guarantee.