Explore the history of The Open | The Journey to The 150th Open

Hagen claims the first of many Open wins

A year on from Jock Hutchison's success at St Andrews, Walter Hagen became the first American-born winner of The Open courtesy of a hard-earned victory at Royal St George's.

Already a two-time U.S. Open winner, Hagen secured the Claret Jug with an aggregate total of 300 that proved just enough to pip Jim Barnes and George Duncan by one.

Barnes and Duncan each bogeyed the last hole at Sandwich after charging into contention. Duncan's costly weak chip from the left of the green led to the area being dubbed 'Duncan's Hollow'.

This was Hagen's fourth Major victory and the charismatic New Yorker was becoming an increasingly influential figure in golf's development.

The 57th Open | 1922 Royal St George's

Hagen claims the first of many Open wins