After 14 years, the best in the world will play on the West Course at Winged Foot. A course with a lot of history, designed by A.W. Tillinghast, hosting the U.S. Open for the sixth time. 

I had the opportunity to visit Winged Foot three times, and the last one was last year. The first time was in 2007, and that year I played the West Course. Several years later, in 2017, it was the turn of the East Course (where Roberto De Vicenzo won the first edition of the U.S. Senior Open in 1980) because at that time they were making some adjustments to the West for the awaited 2020 U.S. Open.

I returned to the West Course last year and, honestly, I was completely outmatched by the course. Surely the setup for this week’s U.S. Open will be brutal, as it was in 2006 (won with 5 over par). In a recent article, the Superintendent of Winged Foot said he would like the winning score to be +8!

Hole 18 fairway finishing the round on the West Course in 2019. 

The course was about 6,900 yards and, as in Bethpage Black, many holes can be played some 40-50 yards further back and with more difficult angles from the tee. Therefore, if the course is firm, hard, and fast, the “1974 Massacre” could be repeated (Hale Irwin won with +7, the worst score for a champion in over 50 years). The restoration of the course was in the hands of Gil Hanse, and he did a great job. The course was in perfect condition, and some of the changes we will find for this U.S. Open are:

In 2006, hole 5 was a par 5, but for this year it will be a long and difficult par 4.

Hole 9 is a par 5 for members but, in 2006, played as a par 4 of about 500 yards. Now it has a new tee with an angle that requires a carry of about 250 yards and, from the back, it will be about 590 yards.

Hole 10 will have a new tee from the other side of the path and closer to the 18th green, and it will be a monstrous par 3 starting hole of 210 yards for those who begin their round on the 10th. 

A new tee on hole 16, which will be another long par 4 of 490 yards. It is a par 5 for members with an uphill second shot where it is imperative to reach “all carry.”

It is said that Winged Foot is the best golf club in the United States and I believe it is true, although at the same level as Merion and Oakmont (taking into account that Cypress Point is a different style). I played Oakmont four months before Winged Foot and honestly I don’t know which one is harder. Both could host this championship at any time of the year. Oak Hill can enter that territory because besides being a Major venue it has two high-level courses. Oakmont, on the other hand, has only one course and Merion two, but the West is significantly lower level than the East.

The fairways on the West Course at Winged Foot were firm and hard, definitely not like the bermuda we usually play. The rough was not that punishing, but undoubtedly long irons could not be hit from the long grass. The greens could not be in better condition: very fast and with the difficulty generated by the movement they have.

In the pro shop, the bag of Tom Nieporte (winner of 3 PGA Tour events), who was Head Pro at Winged Foot between 1978 and 2006, is displayed. 

Although we didn’t have much time, after the round we had lunch in the clubhouse and with the fabulous feeling that we had just played on a course that constantly puts you to the test—almost on your knees—and that, in my opinion, is what makes it so great because the same happens to the best in the world. It motivates me to see them pushed, and Winged Foot will do that this week.

Image of Ben Hogan playing the 1959 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. He led the tournament after 18 holes and finished in eighth place. 

I cannot fail to mention the Clubhouse inside and what it is like to arrive, being welcomed like you’re at home. The practice area with the wire that limits the distance (if a “Guest” goes over that wire the member is sanctioned!), the putting green, and the wait on the 1st tee are moments of very high intensity. The Clubhouse has a huge corridor where there are showcases, memorabilia of all previous champions—including Roberto De Vicenzo’s 2-iron. Photos, memories, history, all those things that make the Club one of the best golf experiences in the United States.

Roberto De Vicenzo’s final round scorecard to win the 1980 U.S. Senior Open, and the 2-iron he used that week. 

Something else to highlight about Winged Foot is the pro shop. When I was there last year there was, of course, a lot of 2020 U.S. Open merchandising. The best thing about these private clubs is that they are special and you want to take home as many gifts as possible.

The Winged Foot pro shop, with a lot of 2020 U.S. Open merchandising.

Let’s enjoy another U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Will we finally see Phil win his first U.S. Open, or Tiger his 16th Major, or Jordan’s return to victory, or Dustin start adding more Majors to his career? All unknowns that will be answered in a few days; what is certain is that we will see very good golf and maximum demand.