Major Championship Courses You Can Play
The U.S. Open has returned this year to Pinehurst #2, one of America’s iconic golf courses, known for its historic significance and public accessibility. Hosting its fourth U.S. Open, Pinehurst will be a USGA anchor site, hosting five Opens in the next 25 years. Pinehurst and Pebble Beach have long been staples of U.S. championship golf. Public courses hosting major championships were rare until Pebble Beach in 1972 and Bethpage Black in 2002. However, nowadays there are multiple major championship courses you can play!
Here’s a guide to other public courses that have hosted major championships, that offer golfers a chance to play on historic grounds.
15 Major Championship Courses You Can Play
French Lick Resort: Donald Ross Course
Located in Indiana, the 1917 Donald Ross Course is a classic design offering rolling terrain and well-bunkered greens. The Pete Dye course at the same resort hosted the 1924 PGA Championship.
Eisenhower Park: Red
Eisenhower Park’s Red Course in New York hosted the 1926 PGA Championship. Designed by Devereux Emmet, it remains a strategic challenge despite changes over the years.
Cedar Crest Golf Course
This A.W. Tillinghast-designed course in Dallas hosted the 1927 PGA Championship and the 1954 U.S. Amateur Public Links, featuring tree-lined fairways and small, challenging greens.
Keller Golf Course
In Minnesota, Keller Golf Course has hosted multiple PGA Championships and a Western Open. Its stretch from holes 11 to 16 is particularly renowned.
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst, North Carolina, underwent a significant restoration in 2010, emphasizing native sand and wiregrass. It hosted the 2014 Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens and will host future U.S. Opens through 2047.
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Designed by A.W. Tillinghast, this Pennsylvania course hosted the 1938 PGA Championship and remains a notable destination despite some design changes over the years.
Seaview: Bay
In New Jersey, Seaview’s Bay Course, designed by Donald Ross, has hosted the 1942 PGA and the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic. It’s known for its tricky greens and marshland defense.
Torrey Pines Golf Course: South
Located in La Jolla, California, Torrey Pines hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens. Its coastal location offers breathtaking views and challenging play. We specialize in booking guaranteed tee times and groups up to 90 days in advance at Torrey Pines. Request a tee time or give us a call today!
Tanglewood Park Golf: Championship
This North Carolina course hosted the 1974 PGA Championship, won by Lee Trevino. It has also seen a U.S. Amateur Public Links and a Champions Tour event.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, California, renowned for its stunning ocean views and historic significance, has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, most recently in 2019, and the Women’s U.S. Open in 2023.
Bethpage State Park: Black
Bethpage Black in New York is famous for its tough layout and has hosted the U.S. Open twice, the Barclays, and the 2019 PGA Championship, with the Ryder Cup set for 2025.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course
This South Carolina course, designed for the 1991 Ryder Cup, is known for its diabolical design and was the site of Phil Mickelson’s 2021 PGA Championship victory.
Chambers Bay
In Washington, Chambers Bay hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. Its links-style design offers stunning views of Puget Sound and challenging, firm terrain.
Erin Hills Golf Course
In Wisconsin, Erin Hills hosted the 2017 U.S. Open. Designed to reflect natural land movements, it offers a unique and challenging layout.
Summary
Playing these public courses allows golfers to experience the history and challenge of major championship venues, making these rounds a rewarding goal for avid players. Do you agree with our list of the best 15 major championship courses you can play?
