My Bucket List – U.S. Open Venues

Goal setting is important. Having a goal has a tendency to enhance motivation and focus, and increase the likelihood of achievement. In my early career, I was extremely goal oriented and meticulous in my goal setting. My colleagues ribbed me about it and asserted that my approach would not survive the arrival of children. I scoffed at the time, but it turns out they were right.

My children have brought me more into the moment, and I am grateful to them for it. I still believe in the value of having a vision and goals though, even if my rigor for the practice has diminished.

I have been thinking about setting a goal for golf that incorporates:

My interest in golf course architecture.
My interest in the history of golf in America, specifically the history of the USGA Championships.
My love of playing golf at great courses, of course.

Therefore, I have decided to set the goal of playing every US Open venue. I have always loved the mystique of that championship, and it has been played on a wonderful variety of courses over the years.

Remaining venues to play (Years as Host):

Pinehurst #2 (2014, 2005, 1999)
Merion (2013, 1981, 1971, 1950, 1934)
Olympic Club (2012, 1998, 1987, 1966, 1955)
Congressional CC (2011, 1997, 1964)
Pebble Beach (2019, 2010, 2000, 1992, 1982, 1972)
Torrey Pines (2008)
Winged Foot (2006, 1984, 1974, 1959, 1929)
Southern Hills (2001, 1977, 1958)
Oakland Hills CC (1996, 1985, 1961, 1951, 1937, 1924)
Baltusrol (1993, 1980, 1967, 1954, 1936, 1915, 1903)
Hazeltine National (1991, 1970)
Oak Hill CC (1989, 1968, 1956)
Cherry Hills (1978, 1960, 1938)
Atlanta Athletic Club (1976)
Champions Golf Club (1969)
Bellerive CC (1965)
Northwood Club (1952)
Medinah #3 (1990, 1975, 1949)
Riviera (1948)
St. Louis CC (1947)
Canterbury Golf Club (1946, 1940)
Colonial CC (1941)
Philadelphia CC (1939)
Fresh Meadow CC (1932)
Interlachen (1930)
Scioto CC (1926)
Worcester CC (1925)
Inwood CC (1923)
Columbia CC (1921)
Brae Burn CC (1919)
Minikahda Club (1916)
CC of Buffalo (1912)
Englewood Golf Club (1909)
Garden City (1902)
Baltimore CC (1899)
Newport Golf & Country Club (1895)

U.S. OPEN VENUES PLAYED TO DATE

Olympia Fields (2003, 1928)

Olympia Fields was the site of Chicagoland’s most recent championship in 2003, where Jim Furyk was victorious. It is more notable for a defeat than a victory, however. In the 1928 Open, Johnny Farrell defeated Bobby Jones in a 36-hole playoff.

Onwentsia Club (1906)

Onwentsia is a historical club in my hometown on Lake Forest, IL. It played host to the 12th U.S. Open in 1906. Alex Smith won by a wide margin over his younger brother Willie, and OC’s club pro Willie Anderson, all of whom were Scotsmen.

Midlothian Country Club (1914)

In the 1914 U.S. Open at Midlothian, a 21-year old Walter Hagen edged accomplished amateur Chick Evans by one stroke to win his first Major Championship. Hagen would ultimately go on to win 11 Majors in his flamboyant career.

Shinnecock Hills (2018, 2004, 1995, 1986, 1896)

*Photo by Billy Satterfield of GolfCourseGurus*

A founding club of the USGA, Shinnecock Hills has been the host of four U.S. Opens, and will host again in 2018. It has been the scene of its share of drama, including Corey Pavin’s outstanding 4-wood into the 18th to clinch his Major title. On a personal note, visiting Shinnecock was a pilgrimage to a holy place, and it forever altered my perspective on this great game.

Bethpage Black (2009, 2002)

Chambers Bay (2015)

The Country Club at Brookline (1988, 1963, 1913)

Chicago Golf Club (1911, 1900, 1897)

Skokie CC (1922)

Bendelow, Ross, and Langford & Moreau have worked on Skokie, making it an interesting and unique architectural hybrid. It also hosted the 1922 U.S. Open, won by a young Gene Sarazen who claimed the title with a heroic birdie on the final hole.

North Shore Country Club (1933)