US Open Headed Back to Congressional

FAR HILLS, N.J. -- The United States Open is heading back to Congressional Country Club outside of Washington, DC in 2011.

The United States Golf Association made the announcement Wednesday. The tournament will take place from June 16-19.

The esteemed club in Bethesda, Maryland previously hosted the Open in 1964 and 1997. Ken Venturi won the championship in 1964 despite nearly having to stop in the final round because of the heat and humidity. Ernie Els won the second of his two U.S. Open titles at Congressional in ’97.

‘We are excited about having the U.S. Open return to Congressional Country Club,’ said Paul Klinedinst, who will serve as co-chairman for the championship along with Ben Brundred III. ‘The nation’s capital area and golf’s national championship are a perfect pairing. We look forward to again showcasing Congressional Country Club on the sport’s main stage.’

In addition, Congressional will also host the 2009 U.S. Amateur. That event will utilize both the Blue and Gold courses for the two rounds of stroke play, before shifting to the Blue Course for the six rounds of match play.

Congressional, designed in 1924 and renovated in 1990, also hosted the 1995 U.S. Senior Open, the 1949 U.S. Women’s Amateur and the 1959 U.S. Junior Amateur. It was also the location of the PGA Tour’s Kemper Open from 1980-1986.

Next year’s U.S. Open will be played at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, while Winged Foot in suburban New York City will host the 2006 championship. Future sites also include Oakmont, outside of Pittsburgh, in 2007; Torrey Pines, in southern California, in 2008; Bethpage, on Long Island, in 2009; and Pebble Beach, in northern California, in 2010.