US Open History - 1910

Alex Smith took on John McDermott and Macdonald Smith in an 18-hole playoff at the 1910 US Open, held at the St. Martin's Club at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, Pa.

Philadelphia Cricket Club Clubhouse

Smith had scored a 67 during the practice round; however, this was under good playing conditions and his tournament round scores didn't come close to that. After 36 holes, he was ahead by two shots after posting a pair of 76s.

The third round started poorly for Smith, who shot 43 on the first nine. He rallied and with a 36 on the back nine, he was tied for third going into the final round.

Smith's younger brother, Macdonald Smith, posted the lowest final round score of 71, for a tournament total of 298. McDermott was among the first to finish with a 75, also for a 298 total. With bogeys on 13 and 14, Alex Smith put himself in jeopardy of missing out on the playoff, and he needed finish the remainder of the round at even par. He managed to par 15, 16, and 17, and had a chance to win the championship outright, especially with a short finishing hole. Smith's drive landed 18" away from the hole, but he missed the put, thus forcing a playoff round against his younger brother and McDermott.

Even after the disappointing finish of the 72-hole event, Alex Smith took home the trophy after shooting 71  in the playoff round, beating his younger brother by six and McDermott by four.


Willie Anderson and Alex Smith

Philadelphia Cricket Club was the first club where golf professionals were allowed into the club house. They were now, for the first time, given locker room privileges. The 1910 Open was also four-time champion Willie Anderson's last open, where he placed 11th.