U.S. Open countdown: Amateur Evans sets records in 1916

22nd U.S. Open | June 29-30, 1916

Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Leaderboard

a - amateur

Joining Francis Ouimet (1913) and Jerome Travers (1915), Chick Evans became the third amateur in four years to grab a U.S. Open title. And his was as impressive as anybody’s, setting a tournament record for 36-hole scoring (139) and 72-hole scoring (286) — a mark that lasted for the next two decades.

Three months later, Evans captured the U.S. Amateur title at Merion East near Philadelphia to become the first golfer to hold both USGA titles at the same time. Only Bobby Jones would later match that feat.

The classy Evans was known for so much more than being one of the best amateurs of his era. As his name grew in stature, the pressure to turn professional became enormous. But Evans, who often played golf with a set of only seven clubs, never wanted to do it for money. All cash he collected through exhibition-match and tournament agreements went into escrow and later became the Evans Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to former caddies who pursue a college education. It still exists today.

Evans’ career spanned six decades. He played in a record 50 consecutive U.S. Amateurs, winning twice. He won eight Western Amateur titles, and also a PGA Tour event — the Western Open (a tournament he played until he was 77 years old).

todd.milles@thenewstribune.com

This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "U.S. Open countdown: Amateur Evans sets records in 1916."