The following morning, before the playoff, Hagen's showmanship continued as he dubiously presented himself as still disoriented from a night of partying.

Regardless, like the final round, the playoff was a neck-and-neck struggle but, potentially helped by a "generous ruling" on the 17th hole, Hagen defeated Brady by one, 77-78, to win.

In January 1917, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that Brae Burn would host the 1917 U.S.

McGuiness noted that, "There never has been a championship for the title for the past 10 years that the professionals were so much in doubt as to the winner.

"[T]here are too many skilled and proven players," he wrote, "both amateur and professional, for anyone to accurately forecast the result of big events like the 'Open.

'"[6] John G. Anderson of the New York Herald concurred, stating in his column, "For the first time in many years there is no small group of two or three from whom to select as favorite as against the field.

[5] The Globe writer also noted that former champions George Sargent, Alex Smith, and Fred McLeod could be near the top.

[5] In addition, McGuiness thought that professionals like Jim Barnes, Tom McNamara, and Louis Tellier were expected to be top contenders.

[5] Ouimet thought nine pros had a chance to win: Brady, Tellier, Barnes, Jock Hutchison, McNamara, Hagen, Tom Kerrigan, George Bowden, and Englishman James Douglas Edgar.

On the opening day, The Boston Globe put its coverage for the event on its first page next to the top story, a report about President Wilson's diplomatic visit to France in the wake of World War I.

[10] The New York Herald noted that Hagen shot "fine" golf of 73, nearly breaking the course record.

[10] The Hartford Courant elaborated that Hagen, "shot rare golf today" which "put himself into a position from which it is possible for him to win.

[13] On the 15th hole, Brady "miss[ed] a putt which stopped on the rim of the cup" to lose another stroke.

[13] Chick Evans, the defending champion, was the low amateur, defeating Francis Ouimet by six strokes.

[13] The morning of the playoff, there were rumors that Hagen partied with singer Al Jolson the night before.

Some think that Hagen created the illusion that he partied the night before − complete with a disheveled tuxedo − in attempt to give Brady the impression that he was disoriented.

People thought he did this to weaken Brady's motivation to play well, thinking that Hagen was in poor health and would be an easy victory in this situation.

"[19] Brady hit a "perfect drive" but was unable to take advantage, missing the green with his approach.

[17] He hit his chip shot "perfectly" with "the ball running to within three inches of the hole" but it barely missed.