Major Championship Golf Returning to Columbus in 2026
Exciting news for golf enthusiasts in Columbus, Ohio – major championship golf will be returning to the city in 2026. The prestigious U.S. Senior Open will be played at the renowned Scioto Country Club, and there is a possibility that golf legend Tiger Woods might participate in the tournament.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has not yet announced the specific dates for the event, but it is already generating a buzz among golf fans in the area. The Senior Open was last hosted by Scioto in 2016, with Gene Sauers emerging victorious after defeating Miquel Angel Jimenez and Billy Mayfair by just one stroke. Sauers’ victory was particularly poignant as it marked a remarkable comeback for the then 53-year-old golfer. After battling a rare illness called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which kept him away from the golf course for seven years, Sauers’ win was a testament to his perseverance and determination.
Scioto Country Club, designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, has a rich history in hosting prestigious golf tournaments. It last played host to the U.S. Amateur in 1968, and it is scheduled to welcome the event once again in 2036. It was also the venue for the 1926 U.S. Open, won by Bobby Jones, the 1931 Ryder Cup, won by the United States, and the 1950 PGA Championship, won by Chandler Harper. Additionally, the club is where golf legend Jack Nicklaus honed his skills and learned to play the game.
For golf fans in central Ohio, the news of the U.S. Senior Open’s return to Columbus is particularly exciting due to the possibility of Tiger Woods participating in the tournament. Woods, who turns 50 on December 30, 2025, will just meet the minimum age requirement for entry into the Senior Open. The 15-time major championship winner has enjoyed tremendous success in the region, winning the Memorial Tournament five times and claiming victory in eight events at Firestone Country Club in Akron.
The return of major championship golf to Columbus in 2026 is a testament to the city’s rich golfing history and the caliber of courses it offers. With the possibility of Tiger Woods teeing off in the tournament, there is no doubt that golf fans in central Ohio will eagerly anticipate the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club. It will be an event not to be missed, as the world’s top senior golfers compete for the prestigious title on this storied course.
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