June 23, 1922 – The British Open Men’s Golf tournament at the Royal St George’s Golf Club wrapped up. Walter Hagen became the first American-born winner of the Open Championship. It was not an easy victory for Hagen to say the least.
Walter’s overall 3-day score of 300 ended up 1 stroke ahead of runners-up were American Jim Barnes and England’s George Duncan who both shot 301 for the tourney according to an Associated Press story in the June 24, 1922, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Open started its history back in 1860, and since its conception, the tournament has been played in either Scotland, Ireland, or England every year.
I am sure the Brits were none too pleased that a Yank won their prestigious tourney of the links. Hagen would go on to take home the Claret-Jug three more times in his illustrious career to go along with winning the U.S. Open twice, the PGA Championship a record five times, and the Western Open a handful of tries too.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

Stefan Botev: The Unforgettable Story of a Weightlifting Phenomenon
One of my favorite weightlifters to watch was Stefan Botev. Botev was born on

History of NBA Team Nicknames: Pacific Division
I love the history of sports team nicknames. Today I am sharing some of

Why is Ralph Hay Considered the Founder of the NFL?
In this episode, we fire up the DeLorean and head back to explore the

The Best Soccer Goalkeepers of the 2000s
The 2000s had a special charm to them. Soccer was becoming a worldwide phenomenon

Kylian Mbappe’s Rise from Young Gun to Goal Machine
Former Manchester City and French midfielder Samir Nasri was recently very quick to put

120,000 Fans Witness High School Football Game in 1937!!!
Let’s set the stage… It was a warm November afternoon on the Chicago lakefront,

Legendary Athletes From the Aloha State: Highlighting Hawaii’s Sporting Greats
Hawaii, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also a breeding

1974 Miami Dolphins: Chasing Super Bowl Greatness
After appearing in three straight Super Bowls and winning two, the 1974 Miami Dolphins