Without a shadow of a doubt, the US Open is one of the biggest golf events of the year. The 2019 tournament looks very competitive on paper and 2018 champion Brooks Koepka will be quietly confident of defending his title.
Traditionally, the US Open is the second major competition of the year but that has changed in 2019. With the PGA Championship moving forward from August, the US Open 2019 is the third major tournament to take place since the start of April.
For golf fans, this is great news. Whether you’re a budding Jordan Spieth or an experienced Tiger Woods, the US Open is always one of the best tournaments to watch. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best golf courses to host the famous event.
Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont and the US Open go hand in hand. With nine tournaments held at this picturesque Pennsylvania course, it has held more US Open events than any other venue – many regard Oakmont as the competition’s unofficial home. Fans will already have the 2025 tournament pencilled in on their calendars…
Never take the Oakmont course for granted. One of the most perilous courses in the United States, there are over 100 bunkers across the course. Accuracy and luck are two traits that are required for a successful round here – just ask 1973 champion Johnny Miller.
Winged Foot Golf Club
Older golf fans will remember Fuzzy Zoeller and Greg Norman bantering with each other back in 1984. Zoeller waved a white towel in a mock surrender before going on to force a playoff. As Norman struggled to cope under pressure, he returned the favour with his own towel wave as Zoeller romped to victory.
US Open odds will be available on the 2020 tournament in the coming months and the Winged Foot course is likely to suit a neater player. This demanding venue will have even the best golfers in the game scratching their heads over some shots.
Oakland Hills Country Club
Nicknamed ‘The Monster’, Oakland Hills has a rich history with the US Open and old-school golf fans will be hoping for a seventh event at the iconic venue in the coming years. After all, the last time Oakland Hills hosted a US Open was back in 1996.
Location-wise, it is perfect. With cosmetic renovations to the clubhouse, it ticks another big box for organisers. With so much going for it, why has it been so long since the US Open was hosted there? Only time will tell but we could see Oakland Hills host another major event in the next few years.
Inverness Club
Inverness hasn’t hosted a US Open since 1979 but a recent refurbishment could tempt the event organisers to consider a return to the venue. Still regularly ranked as one of America’s top courses, Inverness could be set for a return to the major stage in the not-so-distant future.
A fairly straightforward course, there are no real frills or spills at Inverness. A conventional course with minimal water, this course encourages aggressive play. Fairways are tight but you can certainly make your own luck around Inverness. Who knows, golf betting fans could see it make a return to the US Open rotation at some point.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Arguably the most breath-taking course on this list, some of the views around Pebble Beach Golf Links are second to none. From the seventh hole to the 10th, players are literally on the cliff-line. The history of Pebble Beach is known around the world and it always ranks highly on any US Open course list.
Tiger Woods claimed the first of his three US Open victories here in 2000. At the time of writing, the 2019 US Masters champion is priced at 10/1 to add another US Open title to his collection. That win at Pebble Beach could give him an advantage.
Baltusrol Golf Club
A typically classic course. Baltusrol is the ideal venue to host a major tournament; it ticks all the right boxes to test a golfer to their limits. One bad shot can – and quite often does – cost a player dearly at Baltusrol and even the best players have had to admit defeat here.
Probably best known for Jack Nicklaus’ exploits, Baltusrol is one for the romantics. It has hosted the US Open an incredible seven times but the last major to be held there was back in 1993. Nicklaus is possibly the only player ever to maintain full control around Baltusrol.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
This iconic venue has hosted golf’s US Open tournament on four occasions, most recently in 2004. Located just off the edge of Long Island, Shinnecock Hills is as unforgiving as it is stunning. The weather conditions can play a major role in the outcome of tournaments held here and it is a classic, old course that remains popular with the younger generation.
Unfortunately, golf fans will have to wait until 2026 for the next US Open at Shinnecock Hills. In the meantime, punters can keep up with the latest golf betting tips and odds with 888sport.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
