3 minute read
ROSS’S RULES
By Jack Ross
The Best USGA Championships in the Northeast
WHILE MOST GOLF FANS probably mark the Masters or the U.S. Open as the marquee events of their golf calendars, outstanding competition occurs at many levels. While no prize money is on the line, the USGA amateur events are immersed in tradition and attract some of the best players in the world. Over the next two years, golf fans in the Northeast will have opportunities to take in a number of prestigious USGA amateur and open championships.
First in the lineup (rescheduled from last year due to Covid) is the U.S. Senior Women’s Open (July 29-Aug 1), which will take place at venerable Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, CT. Brooklawn was founded in 1895, and in 1930 hired renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast to design an 18-hole course. The club has hosted five USGA championships, including the 1979 U.S. Women’s Open and the 1987 U.S. Senior Open.
The Senior Women’s Open is the newest USGA championship, inaugurated in 2018. “To have Brooklawn Country Club host our newest championship is truly special for the USGA family and will continue to build the strong momentum we have created,” said USGA senior managing director John Bodenhamer.
Next up is the U.S. Women’s Amateur (Aug 2-8), hosted by Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y., well known to golf fans as a longtime venue of PGA Tour events. Walter Travis, who happened to be a threetime U.S. Amateur champion, designed two 18-hole courses that opened in 1922. The club hosted the 1923 U.S. Women’s Amateur, so this year’s event marks a return to its roots. “The USGA is thrilled to bring the U.S. Women’s Amateur to Westchester Country Club for the second time,” commented USGA Championship Committee chairman Stuart Francis. “We are confident Westchester will provide the ultimate test.”
The USGA Men Amateurs next take the stage at historic Oakmont Country Club, which hosts the U.S. Amateur (Aug 9-15). The event is the USGA’s oldest championship, dating
back to 1895. Designed by Tom Fownes in 1903, Oakmont was reworked by Tom Fazio in 2015, and has hosted more USGA and PGA events than any other club. With its 175 bunkers and lightning-fast greens, it proved a tough test at the 2016 U.S. Open.
“Amateur golf is primary to the USGA’s mission and the partnerships with prominent clubs like Oakmont affirm our commitment to supporting and growing amateur competition,” noted Bodenhamer.
In September, amateur golf moves to Massachusetts. Sankaty Head Golf Club in Siasconset will host the U.S. Mid-Amateur (Sept 25-30). Miacomet Golf Course on Nantucket will host part of the preliminary stroke play competition. Sankaty Head opened in 1923 with a design by Emerson Armstrong, which was modified by Tillinghast in 1928.
The Mid-Amateur was inaugurated in 1981 for golfers at least 25 years of age. The winner receives an exemption into the U.S. Open, and since 1988 every winner has been invited to play in the Masters.
Looking ahead to 2022, the 122nd U.S. Open will return to The Country Club in Brookline, MA. The fabled course has hosted three previous U.S. Opens, and most famously was the site of Francis Ouimet’s historic victory over Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in 1913. The Country Club was one of the five founding members of the USGA. “We are thrilled to bring the 122nd U.S. Open Championship to such a storied golf course and a great club,” said USGA president Thomas O’Toole, Jr.
So, gear up for the “best of the USGA” in the Northeast. There is plenty of outstanding competition at notable venues on the calendar.
Join the Manchester Country Club Family! A Great Place to Call Home!
MCC is a private, member owned club situated in the beauty of southern Vermont. This crown jewel of a golf course is fair but challenging and readily accessible. MCC offers a social calendar full of member events ranging from golf, tennis, and social gatherings. The Club also has Har-Tru tennis courts and full-service food and beverage offerings which includes the Tap Room offering pub fare, a formal dining room for special events, an outdoor deck with scenic views of the front nine and Mount Aeolus. Become a 2021 member today to experience a truly friendly & professional community where the focus is on fun & relaxation! www.mccvt.com
