The days of the USGA wandering around the country like a lost tourist trying to find a "new" golf course are basically over. Honestly, if you’ve been paying attention to the schedule lately, you’ve probably noticed the same few names popping up over and over. Pinehurst. Oakmont. Pebble Beach.
It's not a coincidence.
The USGA has officially shifted to an "anchor site" model. They’re locking in the heavy hitters through 2051. Seriously, we already know where the 2051 U.S. Open is going to be played. Most of the guys who will be competing in that tournament haven't even been born yet. It's wild to think about, but for fans, it means we finally have a predictable roadmap for the toughest test in golf.
The short-term hit list: 2026 to 2030
If you're looking to book a hotel or just want to know where the next few trophies will be hoisted, the next five years are already set in stone. We're staying mostly on the East Coast, with one iconic detour to the Pacific.
- 2026: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Southampton, NY) – June 18-21. This place is legendary. The last time they were here in 2018, the wind absolutely wrecked the field, and Brooks Koepka survived at +1.
- 2027: Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, CA) – June 17-20. The first "anchor" stop on the list. It’s the seventh time Pebble will host. You know the drill: tiny greens, crashing waves, and everyone praying for a misty morning.
- 2028: Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck, NY) – June 15-18. Remember Bryson DeChambeau bullying this course in 2020? The USGA hasn't forgotten. Expect the rough to be even more penal this time around.
- 2029: Pinehurst Resort & C.C. No. 2 (Village of Pinehurst, NC) – June 14-17. This is the big one for the USGA. It’s their headquarters now. They’re even doing a back-to-back with the U.S. Women's Open here.
- 2030: Merion Golf Club (Ardmore, PA) – June 13-16. Merion is tiny, cramped, and historic. Some people thought it was too small for the modern game, but the 2013 Open proved that wicker baskets and thick rough can still frustrate the bombers.
What is an "anchor site" anyway?
You're going to hear this term a lot. Basically, the USGA picked a handful of courses they consider the "best of the best" and decided to return to them every 5 to 6 years. It's a bit like how the R&A handles the Open Championship in the UK, but with an even smaller, more exclusive circle.
Pinehurst No. 2 was the first to get the tag. Then came Oakmont and Pebble Beach.
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Why do this? Money and logistics. If you know you're coming back to the same spot every few years, you can build permanent infrastructure. You don't have to reinvent the wheel with security, parking, and hospitality tents every single summer. Plus, players get to know these tracks intimately. It builds a narrative. We remember Tiger at Pebble in 2000 or Payne Stewart at Pinehurst in '99. The USGA wants more of those "I know this hole" moments.
The deep-cut schedule: Looking into the 2030s and 2040s
This is where it gets a little dizzying. If you're planning your retirement around golf trips, here is how the 2030s and beyond are shaping up:
2031: Riviera Country Club (California) A bit of a surprise addition, honestly. "The Riv" is a staple on the PGA Tour for the Genesis, but it hasn't hosted a U.S. Open since Ben Hogan won there in 1948. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the USGA setups change a course these guys play every February.
2032: Pebble Beach Golf Links (California) Yep, we’re back. Just five years after the 2027 edition. Get used to the sight of those cypress trees.
2033: Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania) Oakmont is the "sternest test." That’s the cliché, anyway. They’ve hosted more U.S. Opens than anyone else. After the 2025 event, this 2033 date keeps the momentum going in the Steel City.
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2034: Oakland Hills Country Club (Michigan) This one is special. The "Monster" is back. Oakland Hills had a massive clubhouse fire a few years ago, but the course is being restored to its former glory. It hasn't seen a U.S. Open since 1996, so this return is a long time coming.
The Anchor Rotation Summary
| Year | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2035 | Pinehurst No. 2 | North Carolina |
| 2036 | Shinnecock Hills | New York |
| 2037 | Pebble Beach | California |
| 2038 | The Country Club | Massachusetts |
| 2039 | Los Angeles C.C. | California |
| 2040 | Merion Golf Club | Pennsylvania |
| 2041 | Pinehurst No. 2 | North Carolina |
| 2042 | Oakmont C.C. | Pennsylvania |
Is the "Rota" too exclusive?
Some folks kinda hate this. There are dozens of incredible courses in the U.S. that could host a major, but they're getting boxed out by this new strategy. Places like Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black, and Erin Hills aren't on the current list.
The USGA seems to have prioritized "architectural purity" and history over variety. They want the courses that define the American game. If you aren't one of the "big six" (Pinehurst, Oakmont, Pebble, Shinnecock, Winged Foot, Oakland Hills), you're basically fighting for the scraps—those "TBD" years in 2043, 2045, 2046, and 2048.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for the Pacific Northwest. Chambers Bay had its issues in 2015 with the greens, but it was unique. Right now, there isn't a single site scheduled for that part of the country. It's very Northeast and California-heavy.
What you should do now
If you're a die-hard fan, start thinking about 2026. Shinnecock Hills is one of the toughest tickets to get because of the geography of Long Island. Traffic is a nightmare, and the gallery space is limited.
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If you want the "classic" fan experience without the New York stress, Pinehurst 2029 is the play. The village is built for golf, and the USGA is putting massive resources into making that their "home game."
Keep an eye on the U.S. Amateur sites too. Often, the USGA uses the Amateur as a "test run" for a course before bringing the big show back. Merion is hosting the Amateur in 2026, which will give us a great look at how the course handles modern equipment before the 2030 U.S. Open.
The strategy is clear: the USGA is building a "Hall of Fame" of courses. We’re moving away from the "one-and-done" venues and leaning into the cathedrals of the sport. It might feel repetitive to some, but it guarantees that the U.S. Open remains the most grueling, historic test in the world.
To stay ahead of the curve, sign up for the USGA's Victory Club early. It's usually the best way to get first dibs on tickets for these high-demand "anchor" years before they hit the general public. Also, if you're planning to attend Pebble Beach in 2027, start looking at lodging in Monterey or Carmel now; prices for major weeks usually triple the moment the previous year's tournament ends. Regardless of where you go, the next 25 years of championship golf are going to be defined by these specific, iconic patches of grass.