The USGA (United States Golf Association) never fails to impress with its lineup of championship courses each year. While the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open may steal the spotlight, there is much more to look forward to. These championships offer a wide range of courses, from modern to classic, ensuring that everyone finds something they love. The USGA is committed to inclusivity, showcasing the game’s improvement in adaptive and able-bodied categories.
Here’s a closer look at the exciting lineup of championships for the 2024 season:
- Oak Hills CC, San Antonio, Texas
- First played: 2015
- 2023 winners: Gianna Clemente & Avery Zweig
- Notable fact: Oak Hills CC boasts a unique design by A.W. Tillinghast, a renowned golfer who has competed in both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur championships. What sets this course apart is that each of the nines ends with a par-3 hole.
Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia, Pa.
- First played: 2015
- 2023 winners: Aaron Du & Sampson Zheng
- Notable fact: Drew “Sleezy” Stoltz, co-host of GOLF’s weekly “SubPar” podcast with 2007 U.S. Amateur champion Colt Knost, has finished as the runner-up in the past two U.S. Amateur Four-Balls with partner Drew Kittleson.
Lancaster CC, Lancaster, Pa.
- First played: 1946
- 2023 winner: Allisen Corpuz
- Notable winners: Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Mickey Wright, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak
- Notable fact: Lancaster CC is known for making In Gee Chun, the 2015 US Women’s Open champion, an honorary member. In Gee Chun hosts an annual charity golf event at the club, raising funds to support local students’ secondary education.
Pinehurst Resort & CC (No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, N.C.
- First played: 1895
- 2023 winner: Wyndham Clark
- Notable winners: Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Lee Trevino, Ernie Els
- Notable fact: In 2029, Pinehurst No. 2 will have the unique honor of hosting the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open on consecutive weeks, as it did in 2014 when Martin Kaymer and Michelle Wie emerged as champions.
Newport CC, Newport, R.I.
- First played: 1980
- 2023 winner: Bernhard Langer
- Notable winners: Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, Colin Montgomerie
- Notable fact: Defending champion Bernhard Langer set a record as the oldest winner last year, capturing the title at age 65. He also became the winningest player in PGA Tour Champions history with that victory.
Fox Chapel GC, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- First played: 2018
- 2023 winner: Trish Johnson
- Notable winners: Laura Davies, Helen Alfredsson, Annika Sorenstam
- Notable fact: Local hero and USGA legend Carol Semple Thompson secured a victory for the USA over Great Britain & Ireland in her 12th and final Curtis Cup appearance at Fox Chapel with a memorable birdie putt.
Southern Hills CC, Tulsa, Okla.
- First played: 1895
- 2023 winner: Megan Scofill
- Notable winners: Marion Hollins, Patty Berg, Juli Inkster, Lydia Ko
- Notable fact: Last year’s final featured an all-SEC matchup, with Megan Scofill of Auburn University defeating Latanna Stone of LSU to claim the title.
Hazeltine National GC, Chaska, Minn.
- First played: 1895
- 2023 winner: Nick Dunlap
- Notable winners: C.B. Macdonald, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus
- Notable fact: Nick Dunlap became only the second player to win both the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur titles, joining Tiger Woods in this prestigious achievement.
The Honors Course, Ooltewah, Tenn.
- First played: 1955
- 2023 winner: Todd White
- Notable winners: O. Gordon Brewer Jr., Buddy Marucci, Vinny Giles
- Notable fact: Several siblings have won USGA titles, including Senior Am winners Stan Lee and brother Louis. It’s a family affair with golf becoming a shared passion across generations.
Sunningdale GC, Sunningdale, England
- First played: 1932
- 2022 winner: United States
- Notable fact: The USA has dominated this rivalry, boasting a commanding 31-8-3 lead. Rachel Kuehn, following in her mother Brenda Corrie Kuehn’s footsteps, secured the winning point in the 2022 Match.
Brae Burn CC, West Newton, Mass.
- First played: 1987
- 2023 winner: Kimberly Dinh
- Notable winners: Carol Semple Thompson, Ellen Port, Alissa Herron, Meghan Bolger Stasi
- Notable fact: Kimberly Dinh, a chemical engineer with a PhD from MIT, became the championship’s second left-handed winner. She joined an elite group that includes the first-ever left-handed female USGA champion, Julia Potter-Bobb.
Broadmoor GC, Seattle, Wash.
- First played: 1962
- 2023 winner: Sarah Gallagher
- Notable winners: Carolyn Cudone, Alice Dye, Anne Quast Sander, Marlene Streit
- Notable fact: Carolyn Cudone holds the record for the female with the most consecutive USGA Championships won in a single event. On the male side, the record is held by Willie Anderson, Carl F. Kauffmann, and Tiger Woods.
Kinloch GC, Manakin-Sabot, Va.
- First played: 1981
- 2023 winner: Stewart Hagestad
- Notable winners: Jay Sigel, Spider Miller, Nathan Smith, Trip Kuehne
- Notable fact: Vinny Giles, a two-time USGA champion and co-founder of the host club, helped design the course at Kinloch GC. The championship’s match-play portion will take place at the eponymous course, while stroke-play qualifying will be held at nearby Independence GC, designed by Tom Fazio.
That wraps up the 2024 USGA championship schedule. Mark your calendars and be prepared for thrilling golf action at these prestigious events. Remember, if you can’t qualify to compete, attending as a fan allows you to witness the excitement firsthand. For entry requirements, visit the official USGA website at usga.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I attend a USGA championship as a spectator?
Yes, spectators are welcome at the USGA championships. Check out the official USGA website for details on attending and purchasing tickets.
How can I compete in a USGA championship?
To compete in a USGA championship, visit the official USGA website usga.org and review the entry requirements for each specific event.
What does adaptive golf mean?
Adaptive golf refers to the inclusion and support of golfers with disabilities. The USGA has been actively promoting adaptive golf, ensuring equitable play for all competitors.
Are there any notable past winners in USGA championships?
Yes, there have been numerous legendary golfers who have won USGA championships, including Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, and many more.
What are some famous golf courses that have hosted USGA championships?
Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills CC, and Hazeltine National GC are just a few examples of the iconic golf courses that have hosted USGA championships.
Are there any major female golfers who have won USGA championships?
Absolutely! Golfing legends such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Mickey Wright, Patty Berg, and Juli Inkster have all been victorious in USGA championships.
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