Ben Hogan won a record-tying fourth U.S. Open title, six strokes ahead of runner-up Sam Snead.

Although a three-time champion, Hogan was required to participate with the rest of the field in 36-hole qualifying on Tuesday and Wednesday, immediately preceding the championship.

[4] After qualifying, Hogan shot a tournament-low 67 (−5) in the first round on Thursday and an even-par 72 on Friday to hold a two-stroke lead over Snead and George Fazio.

[5] Snead's third-round 72 on Saturday morning left him just a shot back of Hogan heading into the final round in the afternoon.

Two future champions made their U.S. Open debuts in 1953 as amateurs: Arnold Palmer, 23, of nearby Latrobe and Ken Venturi, 22, of San Francisco.