It was only the second U.S. Open at Pinehurst , because of past concerns of high temperatures and its distance from a major populated area . At the first in 1999 , Payne Stewart won his second U.S. Open ( and third major ) in one of the most remarkable U.S. Open victories ever . He trailed playing partner Phil Mickelson by one stroke as they played the 16th hole , where he made an amazing putt for par while Mickelson missed his from . Stewart birdied 17 to take the lead and holed a par putt on 18 in one of the most dramatic finishes ever . After helping the U.S. regain the Ryder Cup in late September , he died in a plane crash a month later at age 42 . Stewart was honored at the 2005 edition with a silhouette of his 1999 victory pose on the flag of the 18th green , also captured in a bronze statue overlooking the 18th green
plane crash
1999 South Dakota Learjet crash
2005 U.S. Open (golf)