The U.S. Senior Open is one of the major championships in men's senior golf. It was first played in 1980 and is administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is recognised as a major championship by both the Champions Tour and the European Seniors Tour. Initially the lower age limit was 55, but it is now 50, which is the standard limit for men's senior professional golf tournaments. The event is open to amateurs but it is dominated by professionals. It has been played on several different courses. In 2009 the prize fund was $2.6 million, with $470,000 awarded to the champion, Eduardo Romero. Allen Doyle became the oldest U.S. Senior Open Champion in 2006, winning two weeks before his 58th birthday. The prize money is usually the highest of any senior tour event, and like other senior majors, players must walk the course unless they receive a medical exemption to use a cart. Winners gain entry into the following season's U.S. Open.
Past Winners 2009 Fred Funk 2008 Eduardo Romero 2007 Brad Bryant 2006 Allen Doyle 2005 Allen Doyle 2004 Peter Jacobsen 2003 Bruce Lietzke 2002 Don Pooley 2001 Bruce Fleisher 2000 Hale Irwin 1999 Dave Eichelberger 1998 Hale Irwin U 1997 Graham Marsh 1996 Dave Stockton 1995 Tom Weiskopf 1994 Simon Hobday 1993 Jack Nicklaus 1992 Larry Laoretti 1991 Jack Nicklaus 1990 Lee Trevino 1989 Orville Moody 1988 Gary Player 1987 Gary Player 1986 Dale Douglass 1985 Miller Barber 1984 Miller Barber 1983 Billy Casper 1982 Miller Barber 1981 Arnold Palmer 1980 Roberto De Vicenzo
