Oakmont’s U.S. Open Streak Only Growing With ‘Anchor Site’ Plan

OAKMONT, Pa. — Oakmont Country Club is hosting the U.S. Open for a record 10th time this week, as the USGA continues to lean in to a new strategy that has its championships on a lifetime plan.

As one of three U.S. Open “anchor sites,” Oakmont—which last hosted the major championship in 2016—is set to host three more times through 2049. It will also host two U.S. Women’s Opens during the time period, as the USGA makes an effort to put its men’s and women’s championships on equal footing.

Last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina was the first one since the USGA created the anchor site strategy in 2021, in an effort to facilitate easier returns to its preferred courses. Pinehurst will host four more U.S. Opens and one women’s championship through 2047. In 2024, the USGA built a new headquarters there and opened the new World Golf Hall of Fame.

Pebble Beach Golf Links—one of the most expensive public golf courses in the U.S. at nearly $700—is the third anchor site, and on tap to host the U.S. Open in 2027, and then six more men’s and women’s events through 2048.

Fortifying Oakmont

In 2023, Oakmont underwent a $4.8 million expansion and a separate course renovation led by renowned architect Gil Hanse that helped modernize the course for the future, including its slate of U.S. Open hosting duties. “It’s one of the [game’s] cathedrals,” Hanse said. “But you understand that the game has evolved.” 

It’s known as one of the toughest courses in the world and has previously produced thrilling championships, with winners including Dustin Johnson (2016), Ernie Els (1994), Johnny Miller (1973), and Jack Nicklaus (1962).

Seats might be hard to obtain during the U.S. Open. With 200,000 fans expected to attend throughout the week, there are 9,500 grandstand seats available throughout Oakmont, and nearly 1,500 premium seats.