1934 U.S. Open (golf)

1934 U.S. Open (golf)

The 1934 U.S. Open was the 38th U.S. Open. The golf tournament was held June 7–9, 1934, at Merion Cricket Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Olin Dutra overcame an eight-stroke deficit after 36 holes to edge Gene Sarazen by a stroke and win his first U.S. Open and second career major championship.

Bobby Cruickshank opened the tournament with a pair of 71s, giving him a three-stroke lead over Gene Sarazen at the midway point. Sarazen carded a 73 in the third round to take a one-shot lead over Cruickshank. In the final round, however, both Cruickshank and Sarazen were overcome by Olin Dutra, who took the lead after birdies at 10 and 15. Despite a pair of bogeys to finish the round, Dutra's total of 293 was enough to secure the victory.

Dutra's win was all the more impressive after he fell ill before the tournament and was laid up for three days in his hotel room. He lost 15 pounds and could not practice for 10 days. He was about to withdraw until his brother Mortie, who finished in 28th place, convinced him to play on. His 36-hole comeback from 8 shots down was the largest in U.S. Open history until Arnold Palmer equaled it in 1960.

This was the first major championship for both Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. Both of them, however, missed the cut. Lawson Little, who would win the 1940 U.S. Open, finished as low amateur in 25th place.