Designation enables long-term planning and investment for future championships at Merion
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Oct. 8, 2026) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that Merion Golf Club has been designated as its fourth U.S. Open Anchor Site, enhancing a long-term partnership that will bring multiple USGA championships to one of the game’s most iconic venues for decades to come.
Merion joins Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Oakmont Country Club and Pebble Beach Golf Links as U.S. Open Anchor Sites, reflecting the USGA’s commitment to conducting its premier championships at the most historic and celebrated venues in the game while strengthening long-term partnerships that benefit players, fans and host communities.
The club’s future championship schedule includes the 2030 and 2040 U.S. Opens, 2034 and 2046 U.S. Women’s Opens Presented by Ally and 2050 U.S. Open.
“Merion has long been one of the defining venues in championship golf,” said John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer, USGA. “Its history, architecture and ability to consistently identify the game’s greatest champions make it a place where every player dreams of winning. The Anchor Site designation is about more than just semantics. It represents a shared commitment between the USGA and Merion to plan further in advance, make strategic investments and continually elevate the championship experience. Merion will continue to play a central role in the future of the U.S. Open, and we are excited to build on its remarkable legacy for generations to come.”
Few clubs have played a more significant role in USGA history than Merion. Since first hosting the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1904, the club has welcomed some of the game’s most memorable moments, including Bob Jones completing the Grand Slam in 1930, Ben Hogan’s legendary 1-iron at the 1950 U.S. Open, Lee Trevino’s playoff victory over Jack Nicklaus in 1971 and Justin Rose’s triumph in the 2013 U.S. Open. Merion has hosted five U.S. Opens and 20 USGA championships overall, the most of any club, and has hosted a USGA championship in 13 consecutive decades.
Earlier this year, England’s Jack Whaley became the latest USGA champion at Merion, defeating Jay Leng Jr. in the final match of the 2026 U.S. Amateur.
“For more than a century, Merion has been the home for some of the most memorable moments in championship golf,” said Topper Ray, Merion Golf Club president. “The Anchor Site designation reflects not only that remarkable history, but a shared commitment between Merion and the USGA to the future of the game. It also recognizes generations of Merion members whose stewardship, volunteerism and love of the game have made this club one of golf’s great championship venues. As we look ahead, this partnership allows us to continue stewarding Merion for our members, while giving the next generation of champions the opportunity to add to our remarkable championship story.”
The Anchor Site strategy allows the USGA and its host clubs to provide opportunities to invest in infrastructure, enhance the player and fan experience, strengthen relationships with local communities and volunteers, and ensure that each championship builds upon the success of the last. The strategy is also rooted in the belief that the game’s greatest championships should be contested at its most revered venues.
Future Championships at Merion
2030 U.S. Open
2034 U.S. Women’s Open
2040 U.S. Open
2046 U.S. Women’s Open
2050 U.S. Open
About the USGA
The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. The USGA also manages day-to-day operations for the U.S. National Development Program, the country’s first unified pathway for American talent, and the World Golf Hall of Fame, preserving and celebrating the legacies of the game’s greatest figures. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. For more, visit usga.org.
