U.S. Open Will Benefit Public Golf Courses in the Pittsburgh Area
USGA offers a 2025 championship giveback program to keep public golf programs strong and sustainable and to enrich leadership training.
THE NINTH HOLE OF OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB | PHOTO BY USGA/FRED VUICH
The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in June is leaving behind more than the economic impact of thousands of fans descending upon the Pittsburgh area, the temporary jobs that will be created and the international exposure for the region during the tournament.
The United States Golf Association will be making a $1 million investment in three public golf courses in the Pittsburgh area and in local leadership learning programs to keep the game of golf vibrant in the region. It’s all part of its 2025 championship giveback program.
The USGA will provide funding to golf courses in North Park and South Park, as well as Pittsburgh’s Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park, to increase participation and support sustainability goals. Each of these courses provide affordable golf at less than $20 a round.
“The key to sustaining growth in the game relies on a thriving public golf ecosystem, and it’s why the USGA has promoted it for more than 100 years,” Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, said in a statement.
It will also provide pro-bono consulting services to the three courses, as well as free use of a high-tech management system to help improve playing experiences while more effectively managing resources like water, labor and maintenance budget.
In addition, the giveback investment will support parks in Oakmont and nearby Plum to promote outdoor recreation.
The USGA teams with the Oakmont Country Club and the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association to make these local investments.
During the U.S. Open, 24 college and graduate students will be participating in the USGA’s Pathways Internship Program that will provide them with direct access to golf and business leaders and possible career opportunities. This is a competitive program that drew 700 applicants this year.
The U.S. Open at Oakmont is expected to draw about 200,000 fans to the Pittsburgh area for the June 9-15 tournament. The economic impact to the region is expected to be $200 million and 1,500 jobs will be created during the U.S. Open week, according to the USGA.
