Hale Irwin won his second U.S. Open title, two strokes ahead of former champions Jerry Pate and Gary Player.

[2][3] For the first time, the USGA granted exemptions to Order of Merit champions of the top five international tours.

[4] Hale Irwin, the 1974 champion, held a three-stroke lead over Tom Weiskopf going to the final round.

His final-round 75 tied the post-World War II tournament record for highest final round score by the champion.

Lengths of the course for previous major championships: Thursday, June 14, 1979 Friday, June 15, 1979 Amateurs: Couples (+8), Rassett (+8), Cook (+9), Britton (+11), Clampett (+11), Ogrin (+13), McGough (+16), Gusmus (+18), Inskeep (+21), Kemp (+21), Peddy (+21), Rentz (+21), Clements (+22), Nordling (+24), Taylor (+26), Marrello (WD).