Best Golf Courses to have ever hosted the U.S. Open

As the U.S. Open returns this week to iconic Oakmont in Pennsylvania, GolfMagic is taking a moment to reflect on some of the most legendary courses to ever host America’s national championship.

This year marks the 125th edition of the U.S. Open, golf's toughest test, and Oakmont is making history once again by becoming the tournament’s host for a record 10th time. 

Renowned as one of the most challenging venues in golf, Oakmont has been the stage for countless iconic moments. 

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the red-hot favourite, aiming for back-to-back major wins and his first U.S. Open title. 

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is looking to complete a U.S. Open hat trick, while Rory McIlroy—who narrowly lost to DeChambeau at Pinehurst last year—is hoping to avenge that defeat and claim his second U.S. Open crown.

The United States is home to a diverse array of stunning golf courses, crafted by some of the game’s most revered designers. 

In our latest feature, we spotlight five of the finest to have ever welcomed the U.S. Open.

Our chosen five legendary venues have etched themselves into U.S. Open history—not just because of their architectural brilliance, but because of the unforgettable moments they’ve helped create.

Each one stands as a testament to what makes the U.S. Open one of golf’s most prestigious and demanding tournaments.

Let's dive in, starting at Oakmont... 

Best Golf Courses to have hosted the U.S. Open

Oakmont Country Club

• Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania
• Architect: Henry Fownes
• Par: 70 Yards: 7,372
• U.S. Opens Hosted: 10 (2025, 2016, 2007, 1994, 1983, 1973, 1962, 1953, 1935, 1927)
• Notable Champions: Dustin Johnson, Ángel Cabrera, Ernie Els, Larry Nelson, Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Parks Jr., Tommy Armour
• Website: www.oakmontcc.org

Oakmont Country Club is where any U.S. Open discussion should begin. 

As the most frequent host of the championship, Oakmont is legendary for its severe bunkers—more than 150 in total—and lightning-fast, sloping greens. 

It epitomizes everything the U.S. Open stands for: precision, perseverance, and punishing difficulty.

The 2025 U.S. Open is expected to follow this tradition. 

With thick, penal rough covering much of the course, accuracy off the tee will be paramount. 

Starting the tournament at a height of five inches, a dense blend of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and poa annua will await any player who strays slightly off target. 

Unlike previous years, there will be no graduated rough—instead, the thickest grass will be located immediately adjacent to the fairways, which average only 28 yards in width.

Another interesting aspect is there is not a single water hazard at Oakmont. 

One particular hole to look out for is the par-3 8th, which will mark the longest par-3 hole in major championship history at 301 yards. 

McIlroy last week predicted that even-par could be enough to lift the trophy this year.

Colin Montgomerie this week urged U.S. Open competitors to "get on with it" instead of complaining about how difficult Oakmont is. 

One of Oakmont’s most memorable chapters came in 2016, when Dustin Johnson overcame a controversial one-shot penalty for a ball movement infraction on the 5th green to win his first major. 

Despite being one of the weakest putters on Tour that year, Johnson’s dominant driving carried him to victory.

Could we see more drama unfold this week? 

Possibly. 

But we still think the best player will win. 

Scheffler is our pick to win his first U.S. Open, thanks to his unrivaled ball-striking form. 

For more predictions, don’t miss our U.S. Open Golf Betting Tips.

Pinehurst No. 2

• Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina
• Architects: Donald Ross (restored by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw)
• Par: 70 Yards: 7,548 
• U.S. Opens Hosted: 4 (2024, 2014, 2005, 1999)
• Notable Champions: Bryson DeChambeau, Martin Kaymer, Michael Campbell, Payne Stewart
• Website: www.pinehurst.com/golf

Pinehurst No. 2 returned to the spotlight at the 2024 U.S. Open, known for its crowned, sloping greens and punishing run-offs. 

The tournament featured a fierce battle between DeChambeau and McIlroy, with the LIV Golf star emerging victorious after McIlroy missed key putts on the closing holes.

In contrast, the 2014 edition saw Germany’s Martin Kaymer dominate, winning by eight strokes in a wire-to-wire performance.

Steeped in history, Pinehurst has hosted nearly every major event in U.S. golf. 

Its pine-lined fairways and cavernous bunkers add to the challenge and charm. 

The 5th, 9th, and 16th holes stand out as course highlights, but the 18th will always be remembered for Payne Stewart’s dramatic 1999 triumph and iconic celebration. 

Tragically, Stewart died just months later in a plane crash, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

• Location: Del Monte Forest, California
• Architects: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
• Par: 71 Yards: 7,075
• U.S. Opens Hosted: 6 (2019, 2010, 2000, 1992, 1982, 1972)
• Notable Champions: Gary Woodland, Graeme McDowell, Tiger Woods, Tom Kite, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus
• Website: www.pebblebeach.com

Few golf courses in the world carry the mythos of Pebble Beach. 

Perched on the rugged California coastline, its dramatic views and unpredictable coastal weather offer a unique test each time the U.S. Open rolls into town.

The 7th hole, a mere 107 yards, is perhaps the most photographed par-3 in the game. 

But when the wind whips across the cliffs, even that short flick becomes a survival test.

Tiger Woods’ 15-shot demolition of the field in 2000 remains one of the most dominant performances in golf history. 

It’s just one reason why Pebble Beach continues to capture hearts and imaginations. 

Jack Nicklaus said: “If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play at Pebble Beach.”

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

• Location: Southampton, New York
• Architects: C.B. Macdonald, William Flynn, Howard Toomey, Seth Raynor
• Par: 70 Yards: 7,440 
• U.S. Opens Hosted: 5 (2018, 2004, 1995, 1986, 1896)
• Notable Champions: Brooks Koepka, Retief Goosen, Corey Pavin, Raymond Floyd, James Foulis
• Website: www.shinnecockhillsgolfclub.org

One of America’s most historic courses, Shinnecock Hills embodies classic links-style golf. 

Its rolling fairways and erratic terrain demand creativity and courage. 

Hosting the second-ever U.S. Open in 1896, Shinnecock has stood the test of time.

Drama is never far away at Shinnecock. 

In 2018, Phil Mickelson famously struck a moving ball on the 13th green, incurring a penalty in one of the tournament’s most bizarre moments. 

That same year, criticism swirled around the excessively tough pin placements. 

Still, for spectators, the chaos only added to the spectacle.

Shinnecock Hills has had more than one meltdown, too.

Things reached boiling point in 2004, literally.

After under-par scores on Thursday and Friday, the USGA cut off water to the course.

By Sunday, greens were so fast they were borderline unplayable.

Officials resorted to watering between groups, a first in major history.

"It was a great deal embarrassing," said former USGA executive director Frank Hannigan.

Most players couldn’t break 80.

Retief Goosen and Phil Mickelson were the only players to finish under par as the South African captured his second U.S. Open title.

Bethpage Black

• Location: Farmingdale, New York
• Architects: Joseph H. Burbeck, A.W. Tillinghast
• Par: 70 Yards: 7,426 yards
• U.S. Opens Hosted: 2 (2009, 2002)
• Notable Champions: Lucas Glover, Tiger Woods
• Website: www.bethpagegolfcourse.com

Bethpage Black is golf’s equivalent of a gauntlet. 

Brutal, beautiful, and unapologetically difficult, the New York public course features fast fairways, small greens, and enormous bunkers. 

Measuring some 7,400 yards, it demands excellence in every department.

Woods tamed the beast in 2002, the only player to finish under par, edging Mickelson by three shots. 

Bethpage returns to the spotlight this September as host of its first Ryder Cup, and anticipation is already sky-high.

The course will join Oak Hill Country Club as the only New York courses to host a Ryder Cup.

Which do you consider to be the best golf course to ever host the U.S. Open?

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