The U.S. Open is returning to Pinehurst #2, a historic and iconic golf course, hosting its fourth U.S. Open and the first of five in the next 25 years. This Donald Ross designed course is one of America’s greatest venues and is open to the public, a rarity among major championship courses. Pinehurst #2 and Pebble Beach have been mainstays in U.S. championship golf, dating back to Pinehurst’s first major, the 1936 PGA Championship.
The PGA Championship has frequented publicly accessible courses, especially in the 1920s and 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1972 that a public course, Pebble Beach, hosted the first U.S. Open at a public venue. In the 1990s, the USGA’s David Fay brought the U.S. Open to Bethpage Black in 2002, sparking more tournaments at public courses over the next few decades.
Public courses that have hosted major championships are becoming increasingly rare, with many no longer in existence. However, there are still a few public courses that have hosted major championships that are accessible to play today. This list includes venues like Pinehurst #2, Pebble Beach, and Bethpage Black, offering golfers the opportunity to play on historic championship courses.
Playing on these public courses that have hosted major championships may seem like a daunting task, but it is a goal that many golfers strive to achieve. By exploring Golf Digest’s Course Reviews section, golfers can submit ratings and evaluations of the courses they have played, contributing to the golf community’s knowledge and experience. This section includes course rankings, expert opinions, course photography, videos, and much more to enhance the golfing experience.
In addition to Pinehurst #2, Pebble Beach, and Bethpage Black, there are other public courses that have hosted major championships in the past. Courses like Hazeltine National Golf Club, Whistling Straits, and Torrey Pines have all been venues for major championships and are accessible to the public for play. Golfers looking to experience the challenge and history of these championship courses can book tee times and enjoy the same fairways and greens as the pros.
Whether it’s playing a round at Pinehurst #2, Pebble Beach, or other public championship courses, golfers have the opportunity to test their skills on some of the most iconic and historic venues in American golf. By booking tee times, participating in pro-am tournaments, or simply walking the same fairways as the legends of the game, golfers can create lasting memories and experiences on these historic courses.
As the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst #2 and the legacy of public championship courses continues, golfers can appreciate the opportunity to play on these historic venues. With the support of organizations like the USGA and Golf Digest, the accessibility and availability of public championship courses are expanding, giving more golfers the chance to experience the challenge and beauty of these iconic courses. Whether it’s a bucket list item or a regular golf outing, playing on public championship courses is a unique and memorable experience for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
