The U.S. Open, one of the four major championships in professional golf, has seen significant milestones in Black history. Charlie Sifford broke the color barrier by becoming the first African American to play in the tournament in 1957. Lee Elder made history in 1975 as the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament, a qualification he earned by winning the 1974 Monsanto Open. In 1991, Elder became the first Black golfer to play in the Ryder Cup.

Tiger Woods made a profound impact on the sport of golf. He became the first Black player to win the U.S. Open in 2000, and he went on to win the tournament three more times in his career (2002, 2008, 2019). Woods has inspired and paved the way for a new generation of Black golfers, such as Harold Varner III and Cameron Champ, who continue to make their mark on the game.

Overall, the U.S. Open has played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in golf and providing opportunities for Black golfers to showcase their talent on a national and international stage.