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Last year, it was announced that the USGA (United States Golf Association) chose The Olympic Club to host the 76th U.S. Women’s Open in 2021. It will take place between June 3rd and 6th. The U.S. Women’s Open is considered the most important event on this sport’s annual calendar and will attract players from all over the world. It has been held every year since 1946.

The Olympic Club’s Lake Course

While this is a huge honor for the Olympic Club, it’s far from the first time this San Francisco golf course has been graced by a professional tour. In fact, the Lake Course has featured 11 USGA championships in the past. However, while it has hosted five U.S. Opens over the years, this is the first women’s championship to be decided here.

The History of the Lake Course

The first USGA championship ever contested at this course was all the way back in 1955. It was immediately one for the history books, though, as Jack Fleck defeated the legend, Ben Hogan, in what is still considered to be one of the biggest upsets ever.

Over a decade later, Arnold Palmer began the last day of play with a seven-point lead. At the end of nine holes on that Monday playoff in 1966, he had lost it to the victor, Billy Casper, making history yet again.

The Olympic Club has seen three other historic come-from-behind U.S. Open victories. Scott Simpson won in 1987; Lee Janzen took the title in 1998; and Webb Simpson came back to win it in 2012.

The Lake Course’s Design

The Lake Course has been a part of this historic club since 1927. It was designed by the course superintendent back then, Sam Whiting. 90 years later, very little has changed about the Lake Course. The challenge of this course, combined with its yesteryear feel has made it a go-to destination for top players from all over the planet for decades.

In 2021, the course will enjoy another accolade, becoming just the 12th ever to host both the men’s and women’s U.S. Open. This puts the Lake Course up there with Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, CO, Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C. and Champions Golf Club in Houston, which is going to host the U.S. Women’s Open at its Cypress Creek Course the year before it travels to the Lake Course.

California has been the host of 75 USGA championships. The one in 2021 will be the fourth time the U.S. Women’s Open visits the Golden State and the second time it comes to Northern California in just five years.

While it’s too early to buy tickets, you won’t want to miss the USGA Women’s Championship when it comes to the Olympic Club’s Lake Course in 2021. Of course, if you’re a woman who can get her handicap index down to 2.4 by then, you could even qualify to play. Even amateur players are welcome!

Sources:

http://www.usga.org/articles/2016/02/2021-u-s–women-s-open-to-the-olympic-club.html

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/02/prweb13203125.htm