Historic Golf Venues: Why Women's Golf Finally Deserves These Hallowed Grounds
Alright, let’s talk golf. Specifically, the kind of golf that makes you sit up and pay attention. You know, the courses that have seen it all. The ones with stories etched into every blade of grass. For too long, these legendary spots have been off-limits to the women’s game. A damn shame, if you ask me. But things are changing. And it’s about damn time.
This isn’t just about another tournament. It’s about respect. It’s about legacy. It’s about finally putting the women’s game on the same hallowed ground where the men have been making history for decades. We’re talking about courses that are practically museums of golf. Places that ooze history. And the fact that it’s taken this long is, frankly, a bit of a joke.
The 'Hogan's Alley' Revolution
Picture this: Riviera Country Club. A place so iconic, they’ve got a statue of Ben Hogan looking over the 18th green. They call it Hogan’s Alley for a reason, right? The man won there three times back in the day. And now, finally, after all these years, a woman’s name is going to be etched onto that plaque. This is the first time the U.S. Women’s Open is gracing Riviera. First. Time. Can you believe it?
Morgan Pressel, she’s been saying it loud and clear for ages. Venues matter. And she’s not wrong. It’s been a crusade for her, this idea that the biggest events in women’s golf have been stuck playing on courses that, let’s be honest, don’t exactly scream “major championship history.” While the men were battling it out at places like Olympic Club, Pebble Beach, Merion, or Shinnecock, the women were often sent to… well, less illustrious spots. It’s like being invited to a feast but only getting served the leftovers. Not exactly the same vibe, is it?
Pressel remembers the excitement when Pebble Beach was announced for the women. “Ohmygoodness. We get to play Pebble Beach.” That’s the feeling. That’s what it should be about. Playing where the legends played. Feeling that history. But it wasn’t always like this. She would have loved to tee it up at Riviera back in her day. But her era? It was a different story. Instead of Pebble, it was Cordevalle. Instead of Merion, where that iconic Hogan photo was taken, it was a course 70 miles west in Lancaster. Instead of Shinnecock, it was Sebonack. It’s like they were actively avoiding the greatest stages. It’s bullshit.
The USGA's Pivot: A Change of Strategy
But then, something shifted. John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s chief championship officer, laid it out pretty straight. About eight or nine years ago, their strategy changed. The top of their pyramid? America’s greatest venues. They mean it. And they start with the golf course. Riviera? That’s undeniably one of America’s greatest. Finally, someone’s thinking straight.
Now, has it been perfect? No. There have been a few hiccups. Lancaster hosted again. Erin Hills was last summer. But the USGA’s run of bringing the women to the game’s most iconic haunts? That’s kicking into high gear. And it’s about damn time.
After Riviera, where do the ladies head? Inverness Club. A Donald Ross classic in Toledo that’s hosted six men’s majors. Zero for the women. Then it’s off to Oakmont. Yeah, *that* Oakmont. The place where J.J. Spaun made that insane putt last summer. And then Pinehurst in 2029. And get this: it’s the week *right after* the men’s U.S. Open. You think that’s a coincidence? Nah. You want to watch Rory and the boys rip it around? Well, Nelly and the girls will be doing the same thing, just a couple days later. That’s how you build momentum. That’s how you show parity.
Iconic Courses: A Long Time Coming
The USGA has a grip on 17 of the next 22 U.S. Women’s Open sites. A bunch of these are places the women are playing for the first time, after decades of hosting the men. We’re talking Oakland Hills, Merion, Shinnecock. Places with actual weight. Actual history. Not just some random course that’s easy to get a tee time at.
Pressel hits the nail on the head when she talks about equality and equity. It all comes down to the playing fields. When you talk about golf, there are these historic venues that just stand the test of time. They’re more famous than any single player. They’ve got their own moments, their own history, their own fame. And women deserve to be a part of that. Period.
At Riviera, it’s more than just Hogan. It’s been the Genesis Invitational, a top PGA Tour event for years. Dustin Johnson owned it in 2017. Hideki Matsuyama shot a 63 to win in 2024. Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm – they’ve all won there. Now, the women get to experience that. They get to use the same locker room, the same workout facility. They get to figure out how to attack that devilish 10th hole, just like the guys do. Some of them are even asking their PGA Tour buddies for tips. They’ll be snapping photos from that epic first tee, where a 16-year-old Tiger Woods hit his first professional shot. And at the end of the week, they’ll climb that mountain of stairs behind the 18th green, where winners have always been celebrated. Yuka Saso, she carried her clubs up there last week, gasping for air, but still yelled, “I just climbed Mount Everest!” That’s the kind of moment you get at these places.
Global Stages: The World Catches Up
It’s not just in the States, either. The women’s game is finally getting its due on the global stage. Royal Troon in Scotland hosted its first Women’s Open in 2020. Muirfield, across the pond, made its debut in 2022. Both of those clubs existed for over a century without even letting women be members, let alone host a women’s major. It took the Old Course at St. Andrews until 2007 – when Pressel was a second-year pro – to host the Women’s Open. It’s happened three times since, and guess who won? Lorena Ochoa, Stacy Lewis, Lydia Ko. Legends, all of them.
Pressel calls it an “arms race” between the golf governing bodies. And it’s a good thing. The PGA of America has Congressional, Hazeltine, and Bethpage Black lined up. In 2027, the R&A is bringing the women to Royal St. George’s for the first time. You know, the place that’s already hosted 15 men’s Opens? Vardon, Hagen, Norman – they all won there. Now, it’s the women’s turn.
Pressel believes in that connection between a winner and a venue. It’s like NBA players winning at Madison Square Garden. Or seeing Taylor Swift play at Wembley Stadium. It’s about being part of something bigger. She thinks about her friend, Paula Creamer, not just winning a U.S. Open, but winning one at Oakmont. That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you. That’s the kind of moment that elevates the game.
The Future is Equal Play
Everybody wants to be there. Either as the competitor, or the person watching it all unfold. And when the women get to play these historic courses, it just elevates women’s golf. It’s that simple. They’re on the same playing field. They’re getting the same opportunities.
This isn’t just about a tournament. It’s about a statement. It’s about showing that women’s golf is just as important, just as exciting, and deserves the same respect as the men’s game. And that starts with giving them the venues that have earned their place in golf history. It’s a long time coming, but it’s finally happening. And we should all be damn glad about it.
Want to see more of these historic venues get their due? Keep an eye on the schedule for future major championships. You can find out where the next big events are happening and who’s competing on major golf news sites like USOpen.com.