Tee off Like a Champion at Five Former U.S. Open Venues

J.J. Spaun’s ability to overcome the challenges of Oakmont Country Club to win the U.S. Open this week got amateur golfers across the country wondering what it would be like to walk the same fairways as the world’s best.

Believe it or not, you can.

While Oakmont Country Club is private, other prestigious courses that host the U.S. Open are available to the public. And golfers can fly there nonstop from Pittsburgh International Airport.

From the rugged cliffs of Torrey Pines to the historic fairways of Bethpage Black, these iconic venues welcome everyday players to experience the same challenges faced by the pros.

Here are U.S. Open venues where anyone can book a tee time after arriving on a nonstop flight from PIT.

• Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California): One of the world’s most scenic and celebrated courses has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including Jack Nicklaus’ 1972 win and Tiger Woods’ dominant 2000 performance. Though it’s pricey (think $600+), it’s open to anyone who can get a reservation — ideally by staying at the Pebble Beach Resort. Pebble Beach is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). United Airlines offers daily nonstop service to SFO from PIT.
• Torrey Pines (La Jolla, California): The coastal gem is where Woods won an unforgettable 2008 Open on a fractured leg, edging out Rocco Mediate. Torrey Pines is a municipal course, but out-of-towners can book a tee time with a bit of patience. The course is a 15-mile drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Southwest Airlines began nonstop service to San Diego in 2024. Breeze Airways operates seasonal nonstop flights twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. This service typically runs from early May through August.
• Bethpage Black (Farmingdale, New York): The first true municipal course to host a U.S. Open (2002, 2009) is known for its brutal difficulty and iconic “Warning” sign. You can play it for less than $200 if you’re willing to brave an early wake-up or the online booking competition. The course is located 25 miles from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). American Airlines offers twice daily nonstop service, Delta Air Lines has three daily routes, and JetBlue recently started providing daily nonstop service.
• Chambers Bay (University Place, Washington): The links-style course hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. Famous for its bold layout and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Chambers Bay welcomes the public with open arms and open fairways. It’s located 33 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Alaska Airlines offers twice-daily service to SEA from PIT.

Another course attached to a resort with limited public play.

• Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina): A Donald Ross masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2 is open to anyone with a reservation and resort stay. This course boasts a rich history with three U.S. Opens, including Payne Stewart’s dramatic 1999 win. It’s located about 70 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). American Airlines offers twice daily service to Raleigh. Breeze Airways operates nonstop flights twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.