The USGA (United States Golf Association) has recently announced the host sites for the upcoming U.S. Senior Open Championships from 2026 to 2028. Scioto Country Club, Oak Tree National, and Crooked Stick Golf Club have been selected to host the prestigious golf tournament in those respective years. Additionally, Scioto Country Club has also been chosen as the host site for the 2036 U.S. Amateur Championship.
According to John Bodenhamer, the USGA Chief Championships Officer, the organization is pleased to return to these renowned clubs as host sites for the U.S. Senior Open. He praised the clubs for their distinguished history of hosting national championships and their commitment to promoting both professional and amateur competition. Bodenhamer expressed confidence that each course will provide a challenge to the world’s best players and that the communities will offer a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Scioto Country Club, located in Columbus, Ohio, was designed by Donald Ross and opened for play in 1916. The course underwent several renovations, including work by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan. In 2021, the course was reclaimed by Andrew Green to adhere to Ross’ original design. Scioto has not only excellent golf facilities but also acclaimed amenities for aquatics, fitness, tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball. The club has rich golf history, with legendary players such as Bob Jones and Jack Nicklaus being associated with it. Jones won one of his nine USGA championships, the U.S. Open, at Scioto in 1926. Nicklaus honed his golf skills at the club with teaching professional Jack Grout. Various championships, including the 1986 Senior Open and the 1968 U.S. Amateur, have been held at Scioto Country Club.
Oak Tree National, designed by Pete Dye, is situated in Edmond, Oklahoma, and first opened for play in 1976. The course is home to many well-known PGA Tour professionals, club pros, and competitive amateurs. USGA champions Viktor Hovland, Kevin Tway, Scott Verplank, and Willie Wood have all honed their skills at Oak Tree National. The club has previously hosted two USGA championships – the 2014 Senior Open, where Colin Montgomerie emerged victorious, and the 1984 U.S. Amateur, won by Scott Verplank.
Crooked Stick Golf Club, located in Carmel, Indiana, was founded in 1964 and designed by Pete and Alice Dye. The club brings elements of Scottish golf, including railroad ties, strip bunkers, sand and grass pot bunkers, and mounds, to the flat cornfield it was built on. Crooked Stick has previously hosted six USGA championships, including the 2009 U.S. Senior Open won by Fred Funk. Notable championships held at Crooked Stick include the 1982 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1983 U.S. Senior Amateur, the 1989 U.S. Mid-Amateur, the 1993 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2007 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The U.S. Senior Open Championship is open to professional golfers and amateurs with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 3.4, who are at least 50 years old. The tournament features two rounds of stroke play, followed by a cut, after which the remaining players compete in the final two rounds. The 2024 U.S. Senior Open will be held at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island.
In addition to the U.S. Senior Open, the USGA also announced that Scioto Country Club will host the 2036 U.S. Amateur Championship. The U.S. Amateur is open to amateur golfers with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4. The championship follows a similar format with two rounds of stroke play, after which the field is reduced to the top 64 scorers who compete in match play.
The announcement of these prestigious championships showcases the rich history and quality of golf courses across the United States. It highlights the USGA’s commitment to promoting both professional and amateur golf and providing challenging opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. As the golfing community looks forward to these future championships, golf enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling moments on the courses at Scioto Country Club, Oak Tree National, and Crooked Stick Golf Club.