10 courses that most deserve to host a U.S. Open for the first time

The U.S. Open goes to some of the best golf courses in America, but there are others, like these, that deserve to host golf’s national championship. GOLF’s Top 100 Panelists weighed in with their picks.

Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Valley, New Jersey

“Because it’s the best golf course in the world.”
“Because every hole is a potential triple-bogey if you attempt the heroic recovery shot.”
“Assuming this wish-list completely ignores logistics — like no room for spectators, parking or infrastructure; no hotels, etc.—it’s hard to avoid PV.”
“Yeah, but that all-male-club thing is a problem.”

Butler National Golf Club
Oak Brook, Illinois 

“For its sheer brutality. It could handily accommodate the crowds and infrastructure.”
“It’s already tough and tight, and it would provide more interest for viewers (doglegs, water, trees) than the typical U.S. Open course. But they don’t have any women members. Problem.”

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, South Carolina

“It’s long enough for the modern game. In June, there should be wind. It can be set up wide, firm and fast, or narrowed in ‘U.S. Open’ style. Great ocean vistas and plenty of bunkers that would look great on TV.”

Sand Hills Golf Club
Mullen, Nebraska 

“Great venue — big and bold. That it’s in the middle of nowhere is an issue, with no lodging, no people, no anything. You’d need to build an Open City.”

Other Vote-Getters

-Pacific Dunes
-Sebonack
-Maidstone
-Quaker Ridge
-Friar’s Head
-Whistling Straits

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