FAR HILLS, N.J. (AP) — The U.S. Golf Association is adding Merion Golf Club outside Philadelphia as its fourth anchor site, meaning the storied club will host multiple USGA championships over the next 25 years.
Merion has hosted the most USGA championships (20), though it went 32 years between U.S. Opens when Justin Rose won his lone major in 2013. Merion gets another U.S. Open in 2030, along with in 2040 and 2050.
The U.S. Women’s Open is scheduled
for Merion in 2034 and 2046.
Merion joins Pebble Beach, Oakmont and Pinehurst as anchor sites that have key championships on a recurring basis.
“Merion has long been one of the defining venues in championship golf,” said John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer at the USGA. “Its history, architecture and ability to consistently identify the game’s greatest champions make it a place where every player dreams of winning.”
Merion is best remembered for Bobby Jones winning the 1930 U.S. Amateur for what then was referred to as the Grand Slam. Ben Hogan hit a 1-iron to the 18th hole in 1950 — leading to one of the most iconic photos in golf — on his way to a U.S. Open title.
The “anchor site” concept began in 2020 to identify key golf clubs for the best championships and to build a partnership with the club and the area.
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