[PHOTO: Dom Furore]
The last remaining “open” spot on the USGA calendar for a US Open until 2031 was filled overnight when the governing body announced it was bringing back America’s national championship to the West course at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, in 2028.
“Winged Foot has provided the backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in the history of our sport, with many of golf’s legendary champions being crowned on the club’s iconic West course,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, in a press release. “We strive to provide players with the greatest stages on which to compete for a national championship, and there are few stages as grand as Winged Foot.”
This will mark the seventh time Winged Foot will have hosted the USGA’s signature event, tied with Baltusrol for the second most behind only Oakmont Country Club, which will host for the 10th time in 2025.
The most recent US Open played at Winged Foot came in 2020 when Bryson DeChambeau charged to a six-shot victory in a championship delayed until September of that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeChambeau was the only player under par that week, as he overwhelmed the course with a power game from tee to green that caused fans and club members alike to applaud in awe and blanch in worry. Would this become the way the US Open would be contested moving forward, distance trumping accuracy?
The past two winners, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick, have assuaged some of those fears, though distance off the tee has become a significant factor for those who hope to claim the title.
Winged Foot has also host seven other USGA championships including two US Women’s Opens, one US Senior Open, two US Amateurs, one US Amateur Four-Ball and one Walker Cup Match. Additionally, Winged Foot hosted the 1997 PGA Championship.
There is just one “open” date now in the USGA’s calendar for the US Open before 2035. USGA officials have made it a point to bring back the championship to historic venues on a more frequent basis in recent years, establishing “anchor” sites at Pinehurst, Oakmont and Pebble Beach. This strategy is evident in the line-up of sites set up to host future US Opens.
Here’s the list of courses hosting the Major into the future:
2023: Los Angeles Country Club
2024: Pinehurst No.2
2025: Oakmont Country Club
2026: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
2027: Pebble Beach Golf Links
2028: Winged Foot Golf Club
2029: Pinehurst No.2
2030: Merion Golf Club
2031: TBD
2032: Pebble Beach Golf Links
2033: Oakmont Country Club
2034: Oakland Hills Country Club
2035: Pinehurst No.2
2036: TBD
2037: Pebble Beach Golf Links
2038: TBD
2039: Los Angeles Country Club
2040: TBD
2041: Pinehurst No.2
2042: Oakmont Country Club
2043: TBD
2044: Pebble Beach Golf Links
2045: TBD
2046: TBD
2047: Pinehurst No.2
2048: TBD
2049: Oakmont Country Club
2050: Merion Golf Club
2051: Oakland Hills Country Club
