By Field Level Media
Oct 08 (Field Level Media) - The United States Golf Association named Merion Golf Club outside Philadelphia as its fourth U.S. Open "anchor site" on Thursday.
The USGA previously labeled Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, Oakmont Country Club in the Pittsburgh area, and Pebble Beach Golf Links in California as anchors, signaling the governing body's commitment to return to the fabled courses and hold U.S. Opens there regularly.
Merion has hosted the U.S. Open only once in the past
44 years. Englishman Justin Rose won his only major there in 2013.
But it has hosted several amateur championships, including this year's U.S. Amateur, and the USGA previously awarded Merion the 2030, 2040 and 2050 U.S. Opens.
The course will also host the U.S. Women's Open in 2034 and 2046, and more major championships could be on the way following Thursday's announcement.
"Merion has long been one of the defining venues in championship golf," USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer said in a release. "Its history, architecture and ability to consistently identify the game's greatest champions make it a place where every player dreams of winning.
"The Anchor Site designation is about more than just semantics. It represents a shared commitment between the USGA and Merion to plan further in advance, make strategic investments and continually elevate the championship experience. Merion will continue to play a central role in the future of the U.S. Open, and we are excited to build on its remarkable legacy for generations to come."
(--Field Level Media)
