Today marks the birthday of Francis Ouimet, best remembered for his heroic victory at Brookline during the US Open in 1913. Ouimet was born May 8, 1893.
Coming off a loss to Jerome Travers at the US Amateur, Ouimet entered the US Open in 1913 at the course he knew best, The Country Club at Brookline. Ouimet had grew up near the course as a kid, and was now competing on golf's grandest stage. Tied at the end of regulation, Ouimet faced Ted Ray and Harry Vardon in an 18 hole playoff to decide the winner of the US Open title. Ray and Vardon were considered the two best golfers in the world, and the victory was broadcast around the world as one of the biggest upsets in sports ever.
Ouimet stayed an amateur for his whole life. He went on to win many more amateur titles around the world, but none that would top the US Open victory.
Later in life, Ouimet gained the prestigious honor of becoming the first american elected as Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews.
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