5. Winged Foot
Known for its tough conditions and brutal finishes, Winged Foot is one of the most historic courses and U.S. Open venues. Recent renovations have taken out several trees making the course more playable-but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. With no real signature hole, Winged Foot has 18 of them. Every hole with a new challenge waiting ahead. The US Open returns to Winged Foot in 2020 and we are pumped.
4. Pebble Beach
What’s not to love about Pebble? A great layout. Iconic and unforgettable views. And, of course, a plethora of deserving champion such as Nicklaus, Watson and Woods. The views at Pebble Beach are unmatched compared to any other U.S. Open venue (or any other course for that matter). Pebble has hosted the U.S. Open 5 times and we’re in for an absolute treat this year once again. Who will come out on top?
3. Merion
Located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Merion sits at less than 7,000 yards. What the course lacks in distance, it makes up for in accuracy. This is as sturdy as a test for a U.S. Open as it gets. Known for its famous ‘wicker baskets’ instead of flags, Merion has a certain flair unlike any other course. The history of winners at Merion is second to none as well ranging from Ben Hogan to Lee Trevino. To be a champion at Merion you must be as accurate and precise as a surgeon.
2. Shinnecock Hills
Although Shinnecock hosted one of the most disastrous final rounds in U.S. Open history (2004), the course still stands as one of the toughest, but fair tests in golf. Located near Long Island, Shinnecock is known for its rolling links and an iconic layout. Stepping foot onto the famed course feels like your stepping back in time. The U.S. Open returned to Shinnecock in 2018 looking for redemption and it gave us just that.
1. Oakmont
Known for its deep bunkers and thick rough, Oakmont is the perfect test to find a U.S. Open champion. It’s one of the toughest golf courses in America. Period. Oakmont closes with one of the best finishing holes in all of golf. With the Clubhouse perched in the background, the 18th from the tee box is quite the site. Oakmont has produced deserving U.S. Open winners over the years, from DJ in ‘16, to Jack Nicklaus’s first ever Major victory over the King. Hosting a record-breaking 9 U.S. Opens, Oakmont is truly the greatest U.S. Open Venue to date. The U.S. Open returns to Oakmont in 2025 and it couldn’t come soon enough
