Best golf courses to have ever hosted the US Open
With the US Open rolling into Los Angeles Country Club this week, we're taking a look back at some of the best courses to have ever hosted the illustrious major championship.
The 123rd US Open begins this week at LA Country Club, with the iconic major championship visiting Los Angeles for the first time in 75 years. Since then the tournament has been hosted at some of the finest courses in the United States and given us some of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport.
With Brooks Koepka aiming to win his sixth major this week, and a strong US Open field including Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm also looking to increase their major tallies, we are set for what could be one of the most memorable tournaments in recent memory.
The United States is blessed with a wide variety of stunning golf courses designed by the game's most highly regarded architects, and we've selected a few of our favourites to have ever hosted the US Open.
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Best Golf Courses To Have Ever Hosted The US Open
Pinehurst No.2
Architects: Donald Ross (Restoration: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw)
Times hosted the US Open: 3 (2014, 2005, 1999)
Former winners: Martin Kaymer, Michael Campbell, Payne Stewart
Legendary course architect Donald Ross designed dozens of past and future #USOpen and #USWomensOpen championship venues, including Pinehurst No. 2! https://t.co/zTzZhBVxc3 pic.twitter.com/zPO6qNEcjA
— USGA (@USGA) November 23, 2022
Last playing host to the US Open in 2014, Pinehurst No. 2 is renowned for its small and intricate greens with sharp fall offs and punishing topography.
One of the most challenging courses on the US Open circuit, Martin Kaymer made it look almost too easy when he strode to victory by eight shots in 2014.
Steeped in history, and having played host to almost every tournament of note to take place on American soil, Pinehurst No. 2 is famed for its pine tree lined fairways and large treacherous bunkers.
While the 5th, 9th and 16th holes are widely regarded as the best on the course, the 18th will forever hold a place in our heart thanks to Payne Stewart's US Open victory in 1999 and his iconic celebration after making the final putt.
Pebble Beach
Location: Del Monte Forest, California
Architects: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
Times hosted the US Open: 6 (2019, 2010, 2000, 1992, 1982, 1972)
Former champions: Gary Woodland, Graeme McDowell, Tiger Woods, Tom Kite, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus
Undoubtedly one of the most legendary golf courses in America, Pebble Beach has played host to some iconic US Open moments and crowned the two best players of all time as US Open champions in Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Cliffside views over the Pacific ocean combined with unpredictable weather often make for an intriguing event for spectators and players alike.
Related: 6 key holes at Pebble Beach
The 7th hole is arguably the most famous par 3 in golf, maybe only being pipped by the 12th at Augusta National, and at only 107 yards long it should be a straightforward flick with a wedge. However, ask anyone who's played the hole with the wind whipping around and they'll tell you any tee shot that stays on dry land is a good result.
The greens at Pebble Beach recently came under some heavy criticism from Tour pro Scott Hend, but thankfully former US Open champion Justin Rose leapt in to defend the course.
Favourite courses are often linked to fond memories and there are few quite as fond as Woods steamrolling the competition on way to winning the US Open in 2000 by a record 15 strokes. Woods has carded more iconic rounds than we've had hot dinners, but his performance at Pebble Beach will rightfully be regarded as one of the finest golfing performances of all time and makes up a memorable chapter of the course's rich history.
Related: Seven of the greatest shots ever played in US Open history
Shinnecock Hills
Location: Southampton, New York
Architects: C.B Macdonald, William Flynn, Howard Tooney, Seth Raynor
Times hosted the US Open: 5 (2018, 2004, 1995, 1986, 1896)
Former champions: Brooks Koepka, Retief Goosen, Corey Pavin, Raymond Floyd, James Foulis
A timeless course that will always be regarded as one of the classic links courses of America, Shinnecock Hills is defined by its true links style rolling fairways with unpredictable hills and bumps. It played host to the second ever US Open in 1896, which pays testament to its longevity and design.
Shinnecock has given us some memorable winners over the years and some comical/controversial moments too.
One that immediately springs to mind is Phil Mickelson bizarrely chasing his putt on the 13th green in 2018 and proceeding to hit it again before it had stopped.
Phil Mickelson just pulled a Daly - putted a moving golf ball and left Fox announcers speechless pic.twitter.com/5kVxt8AnDq
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 16, 2018
The 2018 layout at Shinnecock Hills drew a lot of criticism for its penal pin positions, but as a spectator it makes us love it even more. A bit of drama always makes for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Oakmont
Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Architect: Henry Fownes
Times hosted the US Open: 9 ( 2016, 2007, 1994, 1983, 1973, 1962, 1953, 1935, 1927)
Former champions: Dustin Johnson, Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els, Larry Nelson, Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Parks Jr., Tommy Armour
Oakmont has hosted more US Opens than any other course and no 'best of' list would be complete without it.
With over 100 bunkers sprawled out across the course, many of which being the most severe on Tour, Oakmont personifies everything that the US Open is all about. A tough but fair test that rewards accuracy off the tee and precision around the greens.
The most undulating greens in major championship history looked to be a difficult obstacle for Dustin Johnson in 2016 as he ranked as the 96th best putter on Tour that year, however the American utilised his flawless form with the driver to earn his first major victory, despite being assessed a controversial one-stroke penalty in the final round for his ball moving before he putted on the fifth green.
Bethpage (Black)
Location: Farmingdale, New York
Architects: Joseph H. Burbeck, A.W. Tillinghast
Times hosted the US Open: 2 (2009, 2002)
Former Champions: Lucas Glover, Tiger Woods
Intimidating and entertaining in equal measure, Bethpage Black is widely regarded as one of the hardest course in America. Throw in a traditionally raucous New York crowd and you have all of the necessary ingredients for a fantastic US Open.
Characterised by hard and fast fairways, massive bunkers and very small greens, Bethpage really knows how to bare its teeth and topping out at over 7,386 yards it tests every part of a golfers game.
It's no wonder the cream rose to the top in 2002 and Woods was the only player in the field to shoot under par for the week, beating his longtime rival Mickelson by three shots.
