You Can Play These US Open Golf Courses

Since Newport Country Club hosted the inaugural championship in 1895, the US Open has been contested at 52 different golf courses, many of which have gone down in legend after crowning iconic winners and providing a brutal test that struck fear into the hearts of the world's greatest players.

On this side of the pond, golf enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of these champions as our most revered venues are open to the public, albeit they are generally expensive to play.

But in the United States, it can be far more challenging to secure a tee time on a layout with major pedigree. Given that many exclusively private clubs have regularly hosted the US Open, you're not likely to experience the likes of Winged Foot or Oakmont, but some outstanding public locations have welcomed America's national championship, especially during recent decades.

We take a closer look at the US Open golf courses that you could actually play.

Pinehurst No. 2

The US Open returns in 2024 for a fourth occasion, following previous championships in 1999, 2005 and 2014. Pinehurst is now one of the USGA's "anchor sites" and will regularly host events for generations to come. 

You will find ten exceptional courses at this stunning resort in North Carolina, but it's No. 2, originally designed by Donald Ross and renovated under the studied eyes of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, that is the centrepiece.

If you desire to embark on a pilgrimage to a place that is considered the cradle of American championship golf, then you can find an array of packages to choose from by visiting https://www.pinehurst.com/packages/.

Pebble Beach

Golf courses don't come more scenic or storied than Pebble Beach, which is a staple on the PGA Tour and has seen the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods secure the US Open title here.

Boasting an enviable position within the Monterey Peninsula and overlooking Carmel Bay, playing at Pebble creates memories to last a lifetime as you take on famous holes as waves from the Pacific Ocean crash into the rocks behind you.

Should Pebble Beach reside on your bucket list, read this article for more information, or visit our travel partners Golfbreaks for the finest packages.

Torrey Pines

Moving 400 miles south down the California coastline to La Jolla within San Diego, Torrey Pines is another venue that is routinely showcased on the PGA Tour in what is currently known as the Farmers Insurance Open. But in more recent times, it has accrued significant championship history. 

No one will forget seeing Tiger Woods claim his 14th major title on a broken leg in the most dramatic fashion, while Jon Rahm enjoyed his breakthrough on the biggest stages by winning the US Open at one of his favourite places in 2021. 

The South Course can be played for $234 or $141 (twilight) by visiting https://www.torreypines.com/, while Golfbreaks can take you there courtesy of these packages.

Erin Hills

Located in Wisconsin, Erin Hills was a modern venue that the US Open visited in 2017 and it was Brooks Koepka who grasped his first major title. Opened in 2006, it will host the US Women's Open in 2025 and is a visually dramatic layout to play.

Perhaps you're in the area to experience former Ryder Cup venue Whistling Straits up the road and want a companion course, with green fees in the peak season for Erin Hills being $425, and packages are available here https://erinhills.com/plan-your-experience/packages/.

Chambers Bay

Travelling across to Washington State, Chambers Bay was an unforgettable host venue in 2015, when Jordan Spieth claimed the title after Dustin Johnson shockingly three-putted on the last from 12 feet. 

It divided opinion at the time, but golfers who have played this links-style layout on steroids rave about it. And if you would like to experience it yourself, green fees start from $152 and can be secured by visiting https://chambersbaygolf.com/.

Bethpage Black

The Black Course at Bethpage State Park in New York is one of the jewels of municipal golf in the United States and became "The People's Open" when it made history as the first true public host venue in 2002. Tiger Woods won that year, with Lucas Glover claiming the title seven years later. 

More recently, Bethpage has hosted the PGA Championship (won by Brooks Koepka) and it will be a raucous stage for the Ryder Cup in 2025 when Luke Donald's Europe attempt to retain the cup on away soil.

Adjacent to the first tee, there is a recognisable sign that reads: "WARNING The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers."

If you want to take on that fierce challenge, green fees start from an attractive $70 and $44 (twilight), but for those from out of state, the cost is $140 and $88 (twilight). Visit https://www.bethpagegolfcourse.com/ to get your hands on a tee time that you will never forget!

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