USGA Releases Of GREAT MOMENTS OF THE U.S. OPEN

To celebrate the best of America's most prestigious golf championship, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the release of its new book, "Great Moments of the U.S. Open."

Written by RoBert Williams, director of the USGA Museum, and Michael Trostel, the Museum's senior curator and historian, the book celebrates the accomplishments of U.S. Open champions, shares their inspirational stories and chronicles the extraordinary circumstances that each faced. Rand Jerris, senior managing director of public services for the USGA, served as supervising editor, and among the contributors are Mike Davis, executive director of the USGA, and John Mummert, manager of creative services and senior staff photographer for the USGA.

Complete with a foreword by four-time U.S. Open champion Jack Nicklaus, "Great Moments of the U.S. Open" draws together heroes, past and present, who persevered under the most demanding conditions to become America's national champions.

Release of the book coincides with the 100th anniversary of amateur Francis Ouimet's shocking victory over top British professionals at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., and the return of the U.S. Open in June to Merion Golf Club, site of Ben Hogan's 1950 comeback from a near fatal car accident.

From Horace Rawlins' improbable victory in the inaugural U.S. Open in 1895, to Nicklaus' narrow defeat of Arnold Palmer in 1962 for his first professional win, to Tiger Woods' breathtaking triumph on a broken leg to capture the 2008 U.S. Open, "Great Moments of the U.S. Open" uses the USGA Museum's collection of stunning archival images and artifacts to bring to life some of the most memorable U.S. Open victories.

"The U.S. Open has long been celebrated as the game's premier championship," said Jerris. "Its history is full of unforgettable moments - spectacular shots, amazing comebacks and legendary champions who have inspired generations of golf fans. As some of the stories in the book demonstrate, the U.S. Open has also been marked by incredible stories of courage and determination that have been all but forgotten with time, but that deserve to be remembered among the most inspirational moments in golf history."

"Great Moments of the U.S. Open" features 27 stories that provide readers a unique and authoritative view on America's most prestigious golf championship.

"The U.S. Open helped to solidify golf's standing in America and has expanded the game's reach around the globe," said Trostel. "This book celebrates some of the defining moments and iconic champions in the U.S. Open's rich history. While the championship has evolved dramatically since its origin in 1895, the critical ingredients remain the same. It is golf's most complete test, played on the country's greatest courses and is open to all who have the skill, passion and determination to compete."

Published by Firefly Books, "Great Moments of the U.S. Open," is a 216-page celebration of one of the world's premier sporting events, making it a must-have for golf fans and sports history enthusiasts. The book is currently available for purchase at http://www.usga.org/publicationsstore, as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble stores.

About the Authors
Rand Jerris is the senior managing director of public services at the USGA, and one of the foremost historians of American golf. He has authored three books on golf, including Golf's Golden Age: Robert T. Jones Jr. and the Legendary Players of the '10s, '20s, and '30s.

Michael Trostel is the senior curator and historian at the USGA Museum. He develops historical content and manages research activities at the Museum, and writes about several USGA championships each year.

RoBert Williams is the director of the USGA Museum. He is a former theatrical lighting designer, who, in more recent years, has directed the design and construction of many museum environments, including the USGA Museum.

About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game's history and funds an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA's Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit http://www.usga.org.