USGA Names Merion Golf Club Fourth U.S. Open Anchor Site

The United States Golf Association named Merion Golf Club its fourth U.S. Open anchor site on Thursday, adding the Ardmore, Pennsylvania club to a rotation that already includes Pinehurst, Oakmont and Pebble Beach.

Why did the USGA pick Merion?

Merion's East Course has hosted five U.S. Opens, most recently in 2013 when Justin Rose won the title. The club was also the site of Bobby Jones completing the Grand Slam in 1930 and Ben Hogan's famous 1-iron approach at the 1950 U.S. Open, a shot marked today by a plaque in the fairway. Merion has additionally hosted U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women's Amateur championships, two Curtis Cups and a Walker Cup; Jack Whaley won the 2026 U.S. Amateur there two months ago.

"Merion has long been one of the defining venues in championship golf," USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer said in a release announcing the designation.

When will Merion host future U.S. Opens?

Merion's next U.S. Open is set for 2030, with the championship returning in 2040 and 2050. The club will also host U.S. Women's Opens in 2034 and 2046. The USGA named Pinehurst its first anchor site in 2020, followed by Oakmont in 2021 and Pebble Beach in 2022.

Before Merion's turn comes around, the U.S. Open is scheduled for Pebble Beach in 2027, Winged Foot in 2028 and Pinehurst in 2029. The USGA has set U.S. Open venues through 2042, with additional sites locked in as far out as 2051.