Lancaster Country Club aims to become a hub for women’s championship golf, but is currently missing from the list of future venues for the U.S. Women’s Open. The event has seen a shift in venue selection, with only four courses hosting in the past 20 years that are also part of the men’s U.S. Open rota. However, the future list of U.S. Women’s Open sites includes prestigious venues, but does not feature Lancaster Country Club.
After hosting the U.S. Women’s Open in 2015, Lancaster delivered a challenging course and attracted record attendance, high fan satisfaction, and strong merchandise sales. USGA CEO Mike Whan praised the club, calling it a “hidden gem” that is now recognized for its quality. The success of the event has sparked discussions for future championships at Lancaster, making it a potential future host for elite championship golf events.
Lancaster’s board members have expressed a deliberate decision to position the club as a home for the women’s game at the championship level. Despite not being long enough to host men’s U.S. Opens, the club sees itself as unique in its commitment to women’s golf championships. The location of Lancaster presents a unique opportunity with a large metropolitan area and a community devoted to women’s sports.
The club’s focus on women’s championships aligns with a broader trend of top clubs hosting the U.S. Women’s Open, elevating the women’s game and showcasing their own prestige. Lancaster’s desire for more women’s championships is not seen as a way of competing with men’s events but rather as a means to elevate the women’s game. The club’s path in women’s championship golf was set after successfully hosting the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open.
Looking ahead, the club envisions a future where every women’s champion in the USGA’s portfolio of national events stands on their 18th green with their trophy in hand. One board member expressed the hope for a headline above them that says, ‘Welcome Home,’ showcasing Lancaster’s commitment to becoming a home for women’s championship golf. The club’s dedication to the women’s game and its success in hosting the U.S. Women’s Open sets the stage for future elite championship events at Lancaster Country Club.
