[PHOTO: Carlos Amoedo]
The USGA is returning the Walker Cup to the best golf course in the USA.
During its annual meeting last weekend, the governing body solidified that Pine Valley will host the prestigious amateur match pitting the United States against Great Britain & Ireland in 2044. Pine Valley previously hosted the event in 1936 and 1985.
“We are committed to bringing our championships to the finest golf courses in the country,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “To have Pine Valley as the host site of this prestigious event will not only produce memorable competition but also reinforce the stature of amateur golf worldwide.”
Located 30 minutes outside Philadelphia in the pine barrens of south-western New Jersey, Pine Valley Golf Club stands as a masterpiece of golf course architecture. The unique George Crump layout has been ranked the No.1 course in Golf Digest‘s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list since 2017, and has only seldomly surrendered the top spot in the ranking’s history. Its legendary status among golf purists and professionals alike stems from its uncompromising challenge and breathtaking natural beauty. As Golf Digest architecture editor emeritus Ron Whitten has written, “Pine Valley blends all three schools of golf design – penal, heroic and strategic – often times on a single hole.”
Historically, the club has rarely opened its doors as a host to premier events, but Pine Valley will also host the Curtis Cup in 2034.
The move continues a string of impressive venues for the Walker Cup. This year’s event will be held at Cypress Point (listed No.3 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest), followed by Lahinch in Ireland in 2026, Bandon Dunes in 2028, with Oakmont and Chicago Golf Club also tabbed as future sites. The 2023 Walker Cup visited the Old Course at St Andrews.
The United States has won the past four Walker Cups. This year’s event begins on September 6.
