Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield to Host 2046 U.S. Open

The United States Golf Association announced that Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield will host the 2046 U.S. Open on the club's Lower Course, marking the first U.S. Open at Baltusrol since Lee Janzen won the title in 1993.

The USGA also awarded Baltusrol three additional future championships: the 2033 U.S. Mid-Amateur, the 2039 U.S. Amateur, and a future U.S. Women's Open. The four future championships will bring Baltusrol's total number of USGA championships to 20, placing the Springfield club fourth all-time behind Pennsylvania's Merion Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, according to Union County Life's coverage of Springfield sporting announcements.

"Baltusrol has been part of the fabric of American championship golf for more than a century, and we are honored that the USGA continues to entrust our membership with hosting some of the game's most important events," said Doug Rotatori, president of Baltusrol Golf Club. "Our membership and staff look forward to preparing our venue to once again test the best players in the world."

John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, called the partnership with Baltusrol a continuation "for the next generation of championships."

Championship History

Baltusrol has hosted 16 USGA championships, including seven U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women's Opens, two U.S. Women's Amateurs, and the 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur. The list of champions who have won at Baltusrol reads like a history of American golf.

Willie Anderson won the 1903 U.S. Open at Baltusrol, claiming the second of his record-tying four U.S. Open championships. Jack Nicklaus captured two U.S. Open titles on the Lower Course, winning in 1967 and 1980. In both victories, Nicklaus set the championship's 72-hole scoring record. Lee Janzen won in 1993, becoming only the second player at the time to break 70 in all four rounds of a U.S. Open.

Baltusrol also made history as the first club to host both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open on two different courses.

Beyond the U.S. Open

Beyond USGA events, Baltusrol hosted the PGA Championship in 2005 (Phil Mickelson) and 2016 (Jimmy Walker), the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and is scheduled to host the PGA Championship again in 2029.

The club's Lower Course was originally shaped by A.W. Tillinghast and modified by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in the 1950s. More recently, architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner completed a comprehensive restoration of both the Lower and Upper Courses, drawing on thousands of historical documents to restore elements of Tillinghast's original design while adding modern infrastructure for championship play.

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FAQ

Q: When will Baltusrol host the U.S. Open next?
A: Baltusrol will host the 2046 U.S. Open on the Lower Course. This will be the first U.S. Open at Baltusrol since Lee Janzen won in 1993, a 53-year gap.

Q: What other USGA championships will Baltusrol host?
A: In addition to the 2046 U.S. Open, Baltusrol will host the 2033 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2039 U.S. Amateur, and a future U.S. Women's Open (no date specified yet).

Q: How many USGA championships has Baltusrol hosted?
A: With the four future championships, Baltusrol will have hosted 20 USGA championships, placing it 4th all-time behind only Pennsylvania's Merion Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Q: What is Baltusrol's championship history?
A: Baltusrol has hosted 16 USGA championships including seven U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women's Opens, two U.S. Women's Amateurs, and the 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur. Willie Anderson won the first U.S. Open there in 1903; Jack Nicklaus won twice (1967, 1980); Lee Janzen won in 1993.

Q: Why was there a 53-year gap between U.S. Opens at Baltusrol?
A: The USGA and Baltusrol never publicly explained the gap. Golf industry insiders have offered various theories, but the recent announcement represents a renewal of the relationship and a long-term commitment by the USGA.

Q: What major championships besides the U.S. Open has Baltusrol hosted?
A: Baltusrol hosted the PGA Championship in 2005 (Phil Mickelson) and 2016 (Jimmy Walker), the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and is scheduled to host the PGA Championship again in 2029.

Q: When was Baltusrol's course designed?
A: The Lower Course was originally designed by A.W. Tillinghast. Robert Trent Jones Sr. made significant modifications in the 1950s. Most recently, architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner completed a comprehensive restoration, drawing on historical documents to restore Tillinghast's original design while adding modern infrastructure.