What Is 1999 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 1999 U.S. Open Golf Championship was a pivotal event in golf history, held at the iconic Pinehurst No. 2 course in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It marked the 99th edition of the U.S. Open and is best remembered for Payne Stewart’s dramatic final-hole victory and his iconic knickers-clad celebration.

Stewart’s win was especially poignant given the emotional weight of the moment—just 10 months later, he tragically died in a plane crash. The tournament also featured a thrilling duel with Phil Mickelson, who was seeking his first major title and came within one stroke of victory.

• June 17–20, 1999: The tournament spanned four days, concluding on Father’s Day, adding emotional resonance to Stewart’s win as he celebrated with his family.
• Pinehurst No. 2: The course, designed by Donald Ross, played to 7,136 yards and was set up with narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens to test precision.
• Payne Stewart’s score: He finished at 279 (−1), one stroke ahead of runner-up Phil Mickelson, with all four rounds under par except the second.
• Final-hole drama: On the 72nd hole, Stewart sank a 15-foot par putt to win, while Mickelson missed a 20-footer that would have tied the lead.
• Historic significance: This was Stewart’s second U.S. Open title, following his 1991 win at Hazeltine, and remains one of the most emotional finishes in golf history.

Key Moments and Performances

The 1999 U.S. Open featured several standout moments that defined the tournament’s legacy. From clutch shots to near-misses, the competition showcased the mental toughness required at the highest level of golf.

• Round 1 leader: Lee Janzen shot a 68 to lead after the first round, setting the pace on a course where par was a premium.
• Stewart’s comeback: After a second-round 75, Stewart rebounded with a third-round 66, including a 30 on the back nine, to stay in contention.
• Mickelson’s charge: Phil shot 69-69-68 to enter the final round tied, then birdied the 13th and 16th holes to briefly take the lead.
• Final pairing: Stewart and Mickelson walked together in the last group, creating a rare head-to-head showdown between two American stars.
• Iconic celebration: After his winning putt, Stewart raised his arms and strutted in his traditional plus-fours, a moment replayed in golf lore.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1999 U.S. Open stands out among major championships for its dramatic finish and emotional aftermath. The table below compares it to other notable U.S. Opens.

The 1999 U.S. Open was unique in that it was decided on the final green with no playoff, unlike Stewart’s 1991 win. Its combination of tight scoring, elite competition, and emotional narrative sets it apart from other editions, especially given Stewart’s untimely death later that year.

Why It Matters

The 1999 U.S. Open remains a landmark event in golf history, not just for the outcome but for its cultural and emotional impact on the sport. It symbolized the peak of Payne Stewart’s career and highlighted the promise of Phil Mickelson, who would go on to win multiple majors.

• Legacy of Payne Stewart: His victory and subsequent death made this one of the most remembered wins in golf, often cited in tributes and documentaries.
• American golf narrative: The all-American final duel boosted interest in U.S. golf during a period dominated by international stars.
• Course design influence: Pinehurst No. 2’s restoration in later years referenced the 1999 setup as a model for classic challenge.
• Media coverage: The dramatic finish was widely televised, helping elevate golf’s profile on network sports broadcasts.
• Inspiration for future players: Stewart’s composure under pressure is still studied by aspiring golfers and coaches.
• Historical benchmark: The tournament is frequently ranked among the top 10 U.S. Opens due to its drama and significance.

The 1999 U.S. Open was more than a tournament—it was a defining moment in sports storytelling, where triumph, tradition, and tragedy intersected in a single frame of golf history.