We’ve created a list of 5 places you need to check out if you’re coming to the U.S. Open this weekend. Watch this short video or scroll to see where you should stop by on your visit.
Home of where the first amateur won the U.S Open in 1913, Francis Ouimet’s house is right across the street from The Country Club on Clyde St. While Ouimet’s house overlooked the 16th and 17th holes on the course, the view is now mostly blocked by trees surrounding the course. Make sure to check out this legend’s house on your way in or out of the championship this weekend.
Instrumental in the 1913 U.S. Open, the Vardon Bunker is a spot to check out. A member of TCC who was volunteering at U.S. Open gave us some facts about the addition of new bunkers. In 2013, bunkers were added in front of the green with the intention of discouraging players from attempting to drive the green. It turns out that the bunkers did not have much of an impact, but now these bunkers come into play when playing from the women’s tees. This is also where Justin Leonard sank his 45-foot putt to help the United States win in the 1999 Ryder Cup.
Leading up this year’s U.S. Open, the property was leased to increase the yardage (at 310 yards) and add an upper shelf for players to tee off. You can see the difference in the fencing to find where TCC’s property ends and where they added land. At the 1988 U.S. Open, this hole was played as No. 6, but due to the different course routing it is now playing as No. 5.
Not only is this a beautiful hole with picturesque New England scenery, but in the winter, the pond is used for ice skating. Down by the pond they have a cabin/skating house that is used by TCC members enjoying New England winters. Be sure to check out the rocky outcrops along the fairway as well, which is a New England staple on your way around the course.
It’s been called “The Wee Par 3”. This ‘wicked’ short hole starts with an elevated tee shot down onto the green. It has not been used in over a 100 years in the Championships rotation since the 1913 U.S. Open, so it will be a great hole to bring back this year. In 1913, this hole was played as No. 10 at 140 yards. Keep your eyes peeled on this hole, as this may likely be a spot to witness a hole-in-one.
