John McDermott: Forgotten First American Winner of the US Open (Golf)

ohn McDermott was born in 1891 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His extraordinary talent for golf became evident at a young age spending every free minute golfing and perfecting his game, and by 16, he had already turned professional. This marked the beginning of an illustrious, but short, career that saw him become the first American-born golfer to win the U.S. Open at just 19 years old, a title he successfully defended the following year.

In 1911, McDermott made history by winning the U.S. Open at the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois. This victory was a landmark achievement as he was the first native-born American to claim the title. His final score was 307, which was two strokes ahead of his closest competitors, Mike Brady and George Simpson. McDermott's precision and strategic gameplay allowed him to outperform a strong field of competitors, setting the stage for his rising stardom in the golf world.

McDermott's focus was evident in 1912 when he successfully defended his U.S. Open title at the Country Club of Buffalo, further cementing his status as a leading figure in golf. This success enabled him to earn substantial sums from exhibition matches. While serving as the professional at Atlantic City Country Club, he crafted "mashies" (woods) and "brassies" (irons) with ivory inserts, tools that showcased his skill and innovation. Later in 1913, at the Shawnee Open, McDermott displayed his dominance by defeating Alex Smith by eight strokes and outclassing British stars Harry Vardon and Ted Ray by 13 and 14 strokes, respectively.

Known for his boldness, McDermott didn't shy away from trash talking and boasting about his victories, especially after his significant win over the British golfers. Although he claimed his statements were misinterpreted, they stirred enough controversy to make the USGA consider barring him from the U.S. Open. He publicly apologized, and was allowed him to compete in the 1913 US Open, but finished tied for ninth place. ?Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old US amateur, won the championship in a stunning playoff against Vardon and Ray.

While Ouimet emerged as the new American golf hero, McDermott's career began to decline. The first signs of serious trouble appeared in November 1913, shortly after Ouimet's triumph. McDermott's planned exhibition match with Vardon and Ray (at his home club) was abruptly canceled, leading to speculation that the fallout from the Shawnee incident had taken its toll. McDermott fell ill, suffering what newspapers at the time described as a nervous breakdown. Unfortunately, John McDermott's journey would then be marred by mental illness for the rest of his life, and his fall from public view. He passed away in 1971.

John McDermott's story reminds us that greatness often comes with obstacles- in golf, career and life- and it is how we face and overcome these challenges that truly defines our success. McDermott’s determination and pioneering achievements paved the way for future American golfers, showing that talent and hard work could lead to the highest levels of success. His story is one of both achievement and adversity, highlighting the ups and downs that often accompany a life dedicated to excellence.

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Some Key Attributes of John McDermott for Golfing, Career and Life

1. Resilience: McDermott's ability to recover from setbacks and continue striving for excellence exemplifies resilience. This quality is crucial in both personal and professional life, where challenges and failures are inevitable.
2. Strategic Thinking: His success was largely due to his strategic approach to golf. In any career, the ability to plan effectively and anticipate future challenges is vital for success.
3. Calm Under Pressure: McDermott's composure in high-pressure situations allowed him to perform at his best when it mattered most. In life and work, maintaining calm under stress can lead to better decision-making and outcomes.
4. Dedication: His relentless commitment to improving his skills and pursuing his goals exemplifies dedication. This attribute is essential for achieving long-term success in any field.
5. Pioneering Spirit: As the first American-born golfer to win the U.S. Open, McDermott's pioneering spirit set a new standard for others to follow. In any career, being a trailblazer and taking risks can lead to groundbreaking achievements and set new standards of excellence.

For all you golfers and non-golfers- Believe in yourself and your abilities. You’ve got the talent and drive to achieve great things- on the course, at work and in life.

Joe Johnson