Western Open

The Western Open was a professional golf tournament in the United States, for most of its history an event on the PGA Tour.

Western Open
Tournament information
LocationChicago metropolitan area
(1962–2006)
Established1899
Course(s)Cog Hill Golf & Country Club,
Dubsdread Course
(1991–2006)
Par71 in 2006
Length7,326 yards (6,699 m)[1]
Organized byWestern Golf Association
Tour(s)PGA Tour
Prize fund$5 million (2006)[1]
$150 (1899)
Final year2006
Defunctrenamed BMW Championship
in 2007
Final champion
Trevor Immelman
Cog Hill
G&CC
Tournament location in the United States from 1991 - 2006
Cog Hill
G&CC
Location in Illinois

The tournament's founding in 1899 actually pre-dated the start of the Tour, which is generally dated from 1916, the year the PGA of America was founded. The Western Open, organized by the Western Golf Association, was first played in September 1899 at the Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois the week preceding the U.S. Open. At the time of its final edition in 2006, it was the third-oldest active PGA Tour tournament, after The Open (1860) and U.S. Open (1895). The tournament was held a total of 103 times over the course of 108 years. The event was not held in 1900, nor in 1918 because of World War I, and not from 1943-1945 because of World War II. Golfers from the United States won the tournament 77 times, and players from Scotland won it 15 times. Walter Hagen had the most victories with five wins, and 17 other players won the event at least twice. Two amateurs also won the tournament: Chick Evans in 1910 and Scott Verplank in 1985.

Beginning in 2007, the Western Open was renamed the BMW Championship, part of the FedEx Cup playoff series, and played with the PGA Tour's point system as the sole qualification standard. It is no longer open to amateurs.

Title sponsorship was introduced in 1987, and included Beatrice, Centel, Sprint, Motorola, Advil, Golf Digest, and Cialis.

History

The Western Open, founded and run by the Western Golf Association, was first played in 1899 in Illinois at the Glen View Club in Golf, a northern suburb of Chicago[2] Like the U.S. Open, in its early days it was almost exclusively won by immigrant golf professionals from the British Isles, most of whom gained full citizenship to the United States. In its early decades it was widely regarded as one of the premier golf tournaments in the USA, along with other notables of the day like the North and South Open, the PGA Championship and the Shawnee Open.

The Western Golf Association was, in some ways, and for some years, something of a rival to the United States Golf Association, especially in the midwestern and western sections of the country.[3]

From the event's inception through 1961, it was played at a variety of midwestern locations, as well as places such as Arizona (Phoenix), Utah (Salt Lake City) and California (San Francisco, Los Angeles). In 1923, it was held in Tennessee at the Colonial Country Club in Memphis.[2]

Beginning in 1962, the Western Open settled within the Chicago metropolitan area and was held at a variety of courses through 1973. In 1974, it found an annual home at the Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook, a western suburb. It was played here through 1990, when the PGA Tour adopted a policy of holding events only at clubs which allowed minorities and women to be members.[4][5] It moved in 1991 to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, southwest of Chicago.[4][6] A 72-hole public complex, its Dubsdread Course hosted the Western Open for sixteen editions, through 2006.[2]

In 1899, the prize fund was $150, and Willie Smith's winner's share was fifty dollars. The purse in 2006 was $5 million, with $900,000 to the final winner, Trevor Immelman.

During the second round of the 1975 tournament, Lee Trevino and Jerry Heard were struck by lightning on the 13th green of Butler National while waiting out a rain delay.[7][8][9] Also struck at other parts of the course were Bobby Nichols, Jim Ahern, and Tony Jacklin.[10][11][12]

BMW Championship

In 2007, the Western Open was renamed—and changed in terms of invitational criteria—to the BMW Championship, part of the four-event FedEx Cup Playoff Series. The Western Golf Association continues to run the tournament. The BMW Championship is the last FedEx Cup playoff event before The Tour Championship

Winners

YearPlayerCountryScoreTo parMargin of
victory
Runner(s)-upVenueLocation
Cialis Western Open
2006Trevor Immelman South Africa271−132 strokes Mathew Goggin
Tiger Woods
Cog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
2005Jim Furyk United States270−142 strokes Tiger WoodsCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
2004Stephen Ames Trinidad and Tobago274−102 strokes Steve LoweryCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
100th Western Open presented by Golf Digest
2003Tiger Woods (3) United States267−215 strokes Rich BeemCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
Advil Western Open
2002Jerry Kelly United States269−192 strokes Davis Love IIICog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
2001Scott Hoch United States267−211 stroke Davis Love IIICog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
2000Robert Allenby Australia274−14Playoff Nick PriceCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
Motorola Western Open
1999Tiger Woods (2) United States273−153 strokes Mike WeirCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1998Joe Durant United States271−172 strokes Vijay SinghCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1997Tiger Woods United States275−133 strokes Frank NobiloCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1996Steve Stricker United States270−188 strokes Billy Andrade
Jay Don Blake
Cog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1995Billy Mayfair United States279−91 stroke Jay Haas
Justin Leonard
Jeff Maggert
Scott Simpson
Cog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1994Nick Price (2) Zimbabwe277−111 stroke Greg KraftCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
Sprint Western Open
1993Nick Price Zimbabwe269−195 strokes Greg NormanCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
Centel Western Open
1992Ben Crenshaw United States276−121 stroke Greg NormanCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1991Russ Cochran United States275−132 strokes Greg NormanCog Hill Golf & Country ClubLemont, Illinois
1990Wayne Levi United States275−134 strokes Payne StewartButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
Beatrice Western Open
1989Mark McCumber (2) United States275−13Playoff Peter JacobsenButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1988Jim Benepe United States278−101 stroke Peter JacobsenButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1987D. A. Weibring United States207−91 stroke Larry Nelson
Greg Norman
Butler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
Western Open
1986Tom Kite United States286−2Playoff Fred Couples
David Frost
Nick Price
Butler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1985Scott Verplank (a) United States279−9Playoff Jim ThorpeButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1984Tom Watson (3) United States280−8Playoff Greg NormanButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1983Mark McCumber United States284−41 stroke Tom WatsonButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1982Tom Weiskopf United States276−121 stroke Larry NelsonButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1981Ed Fiori United States277−114 strokes Jim Colbert
Greg Powers
Jim Simons
Butler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1980Scott Simpson United States281−75 strokes Andy BeanButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1979Larry Nelson United States286−2Playoff Ben CrenshawButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1978Andy Bean United States282−6Playoff Bill RogersButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1977Tom Watson (2) United States283−51 stroke Wally Armstrong
Johnny Miller
Butler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1976Al Geiberger United States288+41 stroke Joe PorterButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1975Hale Irwin United States283−11 stroke Bobby ColeButler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1974Tom Watson United States287+32 strokes J. C. Snead
Tom Weiskopf
Butler National Golf ClubOak Brook, Illinois
1973Billy Casper (4) United States272−121 stroke Larry Hinson
Hale Irwin
Midlothian Country ClubMidlothian, Illinois
1972Jim Jamieson United States271−136 strokes Labron Harris Jr.Sunset Ridge Country ClubNorthfield, Illinois
1971Bruce Crampton Australia279−52 strokes Bobby NicholsOlympia Fields Country ClubOlympia Fields, Illinois
1970Hugh Royer, Jr. United States273−111 stroke Dale DouglassBeverly Country ClubChicago, Illinois
1969Billy Casper (3) United States276−84 strokes Rocky ThompsonMidlothian Country ClubMidlothian, Illinois
1968Jack Nicklaus (2) United States273−113 strokes Miller BarberOlympia Fields Country ClubOlympia Fields, Illinois
1967Jack Nicklaus United States274−102 strokes Doug SandersBeverly Country ClubChicago, Illinois
1966Billy Casper (2) United States283−13 strokes Gay BrewerMedinah Country ClubMedinah, Illinois
1965Billy Casper United States270−142 strokes Jack McGowan
Chi-Chi Rodríguez
Tam O'Shanter Country ClubNiles, Illinois
1964Chi-Chi Rodríguez United States268−161 stroke Arnold PalmerTam O'Shanter Country ClubNiles, Illinois
1963Arnold Palmer (2) United States280−4Playoff Julius Boros
Jack Nicklaus
Beverly Country ClubChicago, Illinois
1962Jacky Cupit United States281−32 strokes Billy CasperMedinah Country ClubMedinah, Illinois
1961Arnold Palmer United States271−132 strokes Sam SneadBlythefield Country ClubBelmont, Michigan
1960Stan Leonard Canada278−10Playoff Art Wall Jr.Western Golf & Country ClubRedford, Michigan
1959Mike Souchak United States272−81 stroke Arnold PalmerPittsburgh Field ClubPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1958Doug Sanders United States275−131 stroke Dow FinsterwaldRed Run Golf ClubRoyal Oak, Michigan
1957Doug Ford United States279−5Playoff George Bayer
Gene Littler
Billy Maxwell
Plum Hollow Country ClubSouthfield, Michigan
1956Mike Fetchick United States284−4Playoff Doug Ford
Jay Hebert
Don January
Presidio Golf ClubSan Francisco, California
1955Cary Middlecoff United States272−162 strokes Mike SouchakPortland Golf ClubPortland, Oregon
1954Lloyd Mangrum (2) United States277−7Playoff Ted KrollKenwood Country ClubCincinnati, Ohio
1953Dutch Harrison United States278−24 strokes Ed Furgol
Fred Haas
Lloyd Mangrum
Bellerive Country ClubSaint Louis, Missouri
1952Lloyd Mangrum United States274−68 strokes Bobby LockeWestwood Country ClubSaint Louis, Missouri
1951Marty Furgol United States270−101 stroke Cary MiddlecoffDavenport Country ClubPleasant Valley, Iowa
1950Sam Snead (2) United States282−21 stroke Jim Ferrier
Dutch Harrison
Brentwood Country ClubLos Angeles, California
1949Sam Snead United States268−204 strokes Cary MiddlecoffKeller Golf CourseSaint Paul, Minnesota
1948Ben Hogan (2) United States281−7Playoff Ed OliverBrookfield Country ClubClarence, New York
1947Johnny Palmer United States270−181 stroke Bobby Locke
Ed Oliver
Salt Lake City Country ClubSalt Lake City, Utah
1946Ben Hogan United States271−174 strokes Lloyd MangrumSunset Country ClubSaint Louis, Missouri
1943-45: Cancelled due to World War II
1942Herman Barron United States276−82 strokes Henry PicardPhoenix Country ClubPhoenix, Arizona
1941Ed Oliver United States275−93 strokes Ben Hogan
Byron Nelson
Phoenix Country ClubPhoenix, Arizona
1940Jimmy Demaret United States293+9Playoff Toney PennaRiver Oaks Country ClubHouston, Texas
1939Byron Nelson United States281−21 stroke Lloyd MangrumMedinah Country ClubMedinah, Illinois
1938Ralph Guldahl (3) United States279−57 strokes Sam SneadWestwood Country ClubSaint Louis, Missouri
1937Ralph Guldahl (2) United States288EPlayoff Horton SmithCanterbury Golf ClubBeachwood, Ohio
1936Ralph Guldahl United States274−103 strokes Ray MangrumDavenport Country ClubPleasant Valley, Iowa
1935Johnny Revolta United States290+64 strokes Willie GogginSouth Bend Country ClubSouth Bend, Indiana
1934Harry Cooper England274−14Playoff Ky LaffoonCountry Club of PeoriaPeoria Heights, Illinois
1933Macdonald Smith (3) Scotland282E6 strokes Tommy ArmourOlympia Fields Country ClubOlympia Fields, Illinois
1932Walter Hagen (5) United States287−11 stroke Olin DutraCanterbury Golf ClubBeachwood, Ohio
1931Ed Dudley United States280−44 strokes Walter HagenMiami Valley Golf ClubDayton, Ohio
1930Gene Sarazen United States278−107 strokes Al EspinosaIndianwood Golf & Country ClubLake Orion, Michigan
1929Tommy Armour United States273−78 strokes Horton SmithOzaukee Country ClubMequon, Wisconsin
1928Abe Espinosa United States291+33 strokes Johnny FarrellNorth Shore Country ClubGlenview, Illinois
1927Walter Hagen (4) United States281−14 strokes Al Espinosa
Bill Mehlhorn
Olympia Fields Country ClubOlympia Fields, Illinois
1926Walter Hagen (3) United States279−19 strokes Harry Cooper
Gene Sarazen
Highland Golf & Country ClubIndianapolis, Indiana
1925Macdonald Smith (2) Scotland281−76 strokes Leo Diegel
Johnny Farrell
Emmet French
Walter Hagen
Bill Mehlhorn
Youngstown Country ClubYoungstown, Ohio
1924Bill Mehlhorn United States293+58 strokes Al WatrousCalumet Country ClubHomewood, Illinois
1923Jock Hutchison (2) Scotland281−36 strokes Bobby Cruickshank
Leo Diegel
Walter Hagen
Joe Kirkwood, Sr.
Colonial Country ClubCordova, Tennessee
1922Mike Brady United States291+310 strokes Laurie Ayton, Snr
Jock Hutchison
Oakland Hills Country ClubBloomfield Hills, Michigan
1921Walter Hagen (2) United States287+35 strokes Jock HutchisonOakwood ClubCleveland Heights, Ohio
1920Jock Hutchison Scotland296+41 stroke Jim Barnes
Clarence Hackney
Harry Hampton
Olympia Fields Country ClubOlympia Fields, Illinois
1919Jim Barnes (3) England283+33 strokes Leo DiegelMayfield Country ClubLyndhurst, Ohio
1918Cancelled due to World War I
1917Jim Barnes (2) England283−52 strokes Walter HagenWestmoreland Country ClubWilmette, Illinois
1916Walter Hagen United States286−21 stroke Jock Hutchison
George Sargent
Blue Mound Golf & Country ClubMilwaukee, Wisconsin
1915Tom McNamara United States304+42 strokes Alex CunninghamGlen Oak Golf ClubGlen Ellyn, Illinois
1914Jim Barnes England293−31 stroke Willie KiddInterlachen Country ClubEdina, Minnesota
1913John McDermott United States295−17 strokes Mike BradyMemphis Country ClubMemphis, Tennessee
1912Macdonald Smith Scotland299+113 strokes Alex RobertsonIdlewild Country ClubFlossmoor, Illinois
1911Bobby Simpson (2) Scotlandn/an/a2 & 1 Tom McNamaraKent Country ClubGrand Rapids, Michigan
1910Chick Evans (a) United Statesn/an/a6 & 5 George SimpsonBeverly Country ClubChicago, Illinois
1909Willie Anderson (4) Scotland2889 strokes Stewart GardnerSkokie Country ClubGlencoe, Illinois
1908Willie Anderson (3) Scotland2991 stroke Fred McLeodNormandie Golf ClubSaint Louis, Missouri
1907Bobby Simpson Scotland3072 strokes Willie Anderson
Fred McLeod
Hinsdale Golf ClubClarendon Hills, Illinois
1906Alex Smith (2) Scotland3063 strokes Jack HobensHomewood Country ClubFlossmoor, Illinois
1905Arthur Smith United States2782 strokes James MaidenCincinnati Golf ClubCincinnati, Ohio
1904Willie Anderson (2) Scotland3044 strokes Alex SmithKent Country ClubGrand Rapids, Michigan
1903Alex Smith Scotland3182 strokes Laurie Auchterlonie
David Brown
Milwaukee Country ClubRiver Hills, Wisconsin
1902Willie Anderson Scotland2995 strokes Willie Smith
Bert Way
Euclid ClubCleveland Heights, Ohio
1901Laurie Auchterlonie Scotland1602 strokes David BellMidlothian Country ClubMidlothian, Illinois
1900No tournament
1899Willie Smith Scotland156Playoff Laurie AuchterlonieGlen View ClubGolf, Illinois

(a)=amateur golfer

References

  1. "Scoreboard: PGA Tour". Eugene Register-Guard. July 10, 2006. p. D4.
  2. Lis, Walter (September 6, 2011). "Western Open Golf Tournament". ChicagoGolfReport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  3. "History of the PGA Tour", by Al Barkow, 1989.
  4. Hanley, Reid (September 12, 1990). "Western moves to Cog Hill". Chicago Tribune. p. 3, sec. 4.
  5. "Western to move to Cog Hill". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 12, 1990. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  6. Green, Bob (July 4, 1991). "Norman's entry helps Western". The Item. (Sumter, South Carolina). Associated Press. p. 3B.
  7. Husar, John; Jauss, Bill (June 28, 1975). "Lightning fells 3 at Western Open". Chicago Tribune. p. 1, sec. 1.
  8. Husar, John (June 29, 1975). "Heard may still play in Western". Chicago Tribune. p. 6, sec. 3.
  9. "Trevino's survival a minor miracle". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. June 29, 1975. p. 1B.
  10. "Trevino, two others survive lightning bolts". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. June 28, 1975. p. 1B.
  11. "Lightning hits Trevino, 4 other golfers". Milwaukee Journal. press dispatches. June 28, 1975. p. 11.
  12. "Lightning is a big shocker for 3 golfers". Miami News. Chicago Daily News Service. June 28, 1975. p. 3B.

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