Ouimet is considered America’s first golfing hero and is frequently referred to as the "father of amateur golf" in the United States. As a relatively unknown 20-year-old amateur and former caddie, he won the 1913 U.S. Open Championship, which was staged at the Country Club, Brookline, just across the road from where he grew up. After 72-holes he was tied with the great Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, and then comfortably won the 18-hole playoff by five shots. Ouimet turned down the offer of an experienced member who wished to caddie for him in the playoff, deciding instead to stay with 10-year old Eddie Lowery. The photograph of Ouimet and Lowery marching side-by-side down the fairway is one of the most famous images in golf.

Ouimet had grown up in a modest home across the street from the 17th hole at The Country Club, and was self-taught, learning to play in his backyard. Prior to his U.S. Open victory, the championship had been largely dominated by British golfers. Ouimet's victory and unlikely background combined to create a transformational moment in American golf. Within ten years the number of American players had tripled, many new courses were built, including public courses, and the game was not considered the exclusive preserve of the wealthy elite.

Ouimet went on to a distinguished amateur golf career. He won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931, played on the first eight Walker Cup teams and was Captain of the next four. Revered as a goodwill ambassador for the game, he became the first American elected Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1951. The U.S. Senior Open Trophy is named after him, as are several others around the country.