The US Open 2020 Winged Foot was one for the history books—an intense, unpredictable tournament that tested the skills and resilience of the world’s top golfers. With no fans in attendance due to the global pandemic, the focus rested solely on the players and the challenging course that is Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. As expected, the course didn’t disappoint. Known for its brutal difficulty and narrow fairways, Winged Foot lived up to its reputation, separating the elite from the rest in dramatic fashion.
At Classic Golf of the Carolinas, we appreciate how certain courses and tournaments shape the soul of the sport. The US Open 2020 Winged Foot was a shining example of golf at its most demanding and most thrilling.
Winged Foot is no stranger to the spotlight. Having hosted multiple U.S. Opens in the past, the 2020 event marked the sixth time the tournament was held there. Every time, the course has proven merciless. In fact, prior to 2020, only once had a winner shot under par in a U.S. Open at Winged Foot. That statistic alone sets the tone.
Set at a par 70 and stretching over 7,477 yards, the course challenged every facet of a golfer’s game. The fairways were tight, the rough was unforgiving, and the greens were fast and firm. Any mistake—whether off the tee, on approach, or with the putter—was severely punished. The setup demanded patience, strategy, and a tremendous amount of discipline. What made the 2020 edition unique was the contrast between the brutal course and the brilliance of one particular player—Bryson DeChambeau.
If there was ever a player to defy expectations, it was Bryson DeChambeau. Known for his scientific approach to the game and massive drives, he entered the tournament with questions about whether his strategy would work at a place like Winged Foot. Many doubted his bomb-and-gouge style would translate well on a course known for punishing errant drives.
But DeChambeau proved otherwise. He was the only player to finish under par for the week, shooting a final-round 67 to end at six-under overall—an astonishing performance considering the field. While others struggled to keep their scores from ballooning, DeChambeau muscled his way through, leaning on strength, surprising precision, and confidence. He hit only 23 of 56 fairways throughout the tournament but managed to navigate the rough with power and control. His win sent ripples through the golf world, not just for the manner of victory, but for what it suggested about the future of the game.
As thrilling as DeChambeau’s performance was, the struggles of the rest of the field highlighted the immense difficulty of the course. Pre-tournament favorite Dustin Johnson, who had been in red-hot form leading up to the event, couldn’t find the magic. Rory McIlroy showed flashes but faded. Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, and others had moments but couldn’t maintain consistency.
Perhaps the most surprising collapse was that of Matthew Wolff. Entering the final round just two shots behind DeChambeau, Wolff struggled on Sunday and posted a 75. Though only 21 at the time, his performance leading up to the final round had been impressive, and he showcased incredible promise under major championship pressure.
In total, only a handful of players managed to finish anywhere close to par. The rest faced brutal conditions that punished any small mistake.
One of the more surreal elements of the US Open 2020 Winged Foot was the absence of fans. The usual roars from the crowd were replaced with silence, giving the tournament an almost eerie tone. For some players, this allowed better focus; for others, it removed the adrenaline and atmosphere that fuel great performances.
Television coverage worked hard to compensate for the absence of spectators, using creative camera angles and mics to capture player reactions and course ambiance. In a way, it allowed viewers at home to feel more immersed—almost like walking alongside the players. The lack of noise also meant that the drama unfolded in a uniquely intense way. Every shot was magnified, and every mistake hung in the air a little longer. It was golf in its rawest form.
The US Open 2020 Winged Foot will be remembered for many reasons. First and foremost, it redefined what was possible on one of the most notoriously difficult courses in the world. DeChambeau’s victory, while polarizing, opened up a new chapter in golf’s ongoing evolution. The power game, once thought to be neutralized at classic venues like Winged Foot, suddenly looked like a winning formula.
Moreover, the event offered a glimpse into the mental strength required to win majors. With no crowds, harsh conditions, and the pressure of a major title, it was a stern test of character and concentration.