John J. McDermott (1891-1971)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1911 at the Chicago Golf Club, 19-year-old McDermott became the first American to win the US Open. He successfully defended his title the following year. One of the world's top golfers between 1910 and 1914, he helped to popularize the game in this country. His career was cut short due to illness and he retired in 1914. This is his childhood neighborhood, where he caddied and learned to play at the Aronimink Golf Club, once located here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
John J. McDermott grew up in this Philadelphia neighborhood, caddying and learning the game at the nearby Aronimink Golf Club. In 1911, at just nineteen, he became the first American-born player to win the US Open, then successfully defended the title the next year. One of the world's finest golfers in the early 1910s, his promising career was cut short by illness in 1914.
Why it matters
McDermott's breakthrough victories helped transform golf from an imported pastime into a game Americans could claim and love as their own.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer3.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia3.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall3.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center3.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall3.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall3.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand1.2 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.4 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.6 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge2.7 mi away
- The Universal Sphere2.7 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck2.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden3.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily3.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe3.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon3.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory3.5 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill3.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City2.9 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City2.9 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites3.0 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express3.0 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn3.0 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City3.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John J. McDermott
Themes & tags
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