From LACC to Pebble Beach: A Look Into Several of This Year’s Epic USGA Championship Venues

Events organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), from the Opens to the Amateurs, serve as the pinnacle of competition for both pro-golfers and amateurs. Therefore, the USGA always stages these events on the most demanding yet nicest golf courses in the nation.

It’s no different in 2023, either. Not only do these courses for this year’s event boast unique histories, but they are also steeped in extremely rich traditions. Let’s dive in to find out more!

The Los Angeles Country Club

The Los Angeles Country Club, which is the host for the 123rd U.S. Open, is a relatively mysterious course for the golf community. While the prestigious course was established way back in 1897, this is the first time the course will be hosting a major. Architect George Thomas, who is famous among golf aficionados for designing several iconic courses, paved the way for LACC as well.

The coveted U.S. Open will be held at the club’s North course, which is known for its classic layout. It has also hosted many tournaments in the past, including the first edition of the Los Angeles Open almost 100 years ago.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Located in Pebble Beach, California, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has served as a host to a great number of tournaments in the past, including six editions of the men’s U.S. Open! It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the famed course, designed by golfers Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, features on the USGA’s list of hosts this year as well.

The women golfers will be heading to Pebble Beach in 2023 to compete at this year’s edition of the U.S. Women’s Open. In the past, the course has also played host to the U.S. Amateur several times, as well as the PGA Championship back in 1977.

The Old Course at St. Andrews

Known as the “home of golf,” the Old Course at St Andrews was established centuries ago, in 1552. From Tiger Woods‘ dominant British Open win in 2000 to Seve Ballesteros’ epic “fist pump” celebration in 1984, the Old Course has seen many famed golfers script memorable golfing moments in its long and illustrious history.

This year, many lucky male amateur golfers will be able to bask in the glory of the Grand Old Lady when they tee it up for the USGA’s Walker Cup in September.

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (No. 6)

Located in Pinehurst, California, this golf course has played host to a number of USGA tournaments, including three U.S. Opens, three U.S. Amateur Championships, and one U.S. Women’s Open. Pinehurst boasts a total of nine 18-hole courses, with No. 2 being continually ranked as one of the topmost courses in the United States.

The brainchild of architect Tom Fazio, who has designed other iconic courses like the Quail Hollow Club and the TPC Myrtle Beach, the No. 6 course at the club will see golfers ascends on the greens for the U.S. Adaptive Open in mid-July.

Sleepy Hollow Country Club

In 1911, a group of men of great wealth and stature founded the renowned Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Since its founding, the course has become hugely popular with fans of golf, owing to its hosting several memorable events over the years.

In the year 2002, the course hosted its first-ever USGA-backed event, the 2002 U.S. Women’s Amateur. This year, Sleepy Hollow will be hosting its second USGA event in mid-September, the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur. Fenway Golf Club in Scottsdale will serve as the co-host.

The Cherry Hills Country Club

This golf course in Colorado was designed by none other than William Flynn, the chief architect of other prominent courses like the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and the Lancaster Country Club, among others. The famous 1960 U.S. Open, which saw golfing legend Arnold Palmer emerge as the winner, took place at Cherry Hills.

This year, Cherry Hills will host the men’s Amateur event for the third time in August. This course is a USGA favorite as it has three U.S. Opens, the U.S. Women’s Open, and two U.S. Amateurs, among others.

The Bel-Air Country Club

The Bel-Air Country Club in LA is yet another stellar course that was designed by the great architect George Thomas. In the past, this course has hosted two USGA Championships. Most recently, it co-hosted the 2018 U.S. Amateur along with The Riviera Country Club.

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This year, the Bel-Air Country Club will see many talented female amateurs take the field for the U.S. Women’s Amateur just days before the men’s Amateur event. Down the road, the historic course will also host the 2026 Curtis Cup match and the 2030 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.

Other notable USGA venues in 2023

So far in 2023, the venues for USGA events have truly been spread all over the country. Things kicked off this year with the Latin America Amateur taking place at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Senior Open, slated to take place between the men’s and women’s open, will be held at SentryWorld in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will serve as the host to the World Amateur Team Championship and the Women’s World Amateur Championship later this year.

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This year, the USGA promises great thrill to golf enthusiasts, thanks to the sensational courses and their unique features. Fans of the sport will definitely be looking forward to their favorite players scripting new benchmarks in these iconic places!