Horace Rawlins

Who was Horace Rawlins?

Horace Rawlins was an English professional golfer who won the first U.S. Open Championship in 1895, so was the first winner of a "major" outside the UK.

Rawlins was born at Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, England, and was the club professional at the Mid-Herts Golf Club when it opened in 1893. After immigrating to the United States, Rawlins accepted a position as the assistant pro at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. When his club hosted the inaugural U.S. Open on 4 October 1895, he was one of 11 players to participate. Playing in just his third tournament, Rawlins shocked the more established Willie Dunn, winning the title by two strokes over 36 holes. The first U.S. Open was a one-day event played immediately after the three-day U.S. Amateur, which received much more attention at the time. Rawlins won $150 plus a $50 golf medal and the Open Championship Cup, which went to his club. Rawlins finished second at the U.S. Open in 1896.

Rawlins did not win any other major tournaments. He was involved in golf course design.