This Day in Golf History: September 20

One of the milestone moments in golf history took place on today’s date in 1913. After tying at 12 over par for four rounds, American Francis Ouimet and England’s Harry Vardon and Ted Ray played a playoff on this date at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. The outcome remained in doubt after nine holes when all three shot an even-par 38. From there, the hometown Ouimet shot a bogey-free 34 coming in for a 72, one under par. Vardon faltered with 77 and Ray had 78. The result was viewed as a major upset to have an American defeat the normally more talented players from England and Scotland. And on this date in 1981, the Ryder Cup ended at Walton Heath Golf Club in Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, England, southwest of London, with the United States winning 18½ to 9½ points. It was the largest margin of victory by the U.S. over a European team (since 1979).