Winners of US Golf service award announced

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.  – In recognition of outstanding contributions to the game of golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced its annual Service Awards winners. The individuals will be recognized on Saturday, Feb. 3during a gala dinner at the USGA Annual Meeting in Miami, Fla.

This year’s USGA Service Awards celebrate the leadership, dedication and exemplary efforts of 26 individuals who have devoted their time and talents to serve the game.

“These extraordinary individuals are committed to leading with impact in their communities,” said Mike Davis, USGA CEO/Executive Director. “The USGA is proud to recognize them for their achievements and contributions to the game.”

Award winners include the following:

Gilbert “Gib” Palmer, Joe Dey Award

Presented annually since 1996, the Joe Dey Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. The award is named for the late Joseph C. Dey Jr., who served as USGA executive director from 1934-1969 before becoming the first commissioner of the PGA Tour.

This year’s honoree, Gib Palmer, of Midlothian, Va., has served on the USGA’s Junior Championship Committee since 1996. During that time, he has served as a Rules official at nearly 20 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships while also volunteering at numerous other USGA championships. Palmer’s father gave him his first set of golf clubs, and he has been invested in the game since that moment. He also serves as an instrumental leader of the Virginia State Golf Association and the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame – an organization he helped establish.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Dey many years ago and there is no one who better represented integrity, honesty and respect for the game,” said Palmer. “To be associated with his reputation is a tremendous honor and I’m incredibly thankful for this recognition.”

Dr. Lane Demas, Herbert Warren Wind Book Award

Established in 1987, the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award recognizes and honors outstanding contributions to golf literature while seeking to broaden the public’s interest in, and knowledge of, the game of golf. Wind, who died in 2005, was a renowned writer for The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated. He is the only writer to win the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor.

Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf, authored by this year’s recipient, Dr. Lane Demas, is a groundbreaking exploration of the role of race, class and access to the game of golf. Dr. Demas details the history of black golfers during the age of segregation, the legal battle to integrate public golf courses, and the little-known history of the United Golfers Association, an all-black golf tour that operated from 1925 to 1975.

“I’m proud of the fact that this book provides a narrative and historical content that’s accessible to everyone, especially the everyday golf fan,” said Dr. Demas. “It’s very humbling to receive this prestigious award and be recognized by a premier organization such as the USGA.”

Tim Hiers, Green Section Award 

Presented annually since 1961, the USGA Green Section Award recognizes an individual’s distinguished service to the game of golf through his or her work with turfgrass, including research, maintenance and other areas that positively impact the landscape upon which golf is played.

The 2018 recipient, Tim Hiers, has been a golf course superintendent since 1976 and currently serves as the director of agronomy at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Fla. Hiers stands at the forefront of golf’s environmental opportunities and challenges, while also driving advances in golf course management. An avid and articulate educator, he frequently hosts visitors ranging from school field trips to scientists and government officials.

“I learned to play golf on a cow pasture and I’ve been hooked on the game ever since,” said Hiers. “In this business, you can never learn enough. There’s always a challenge, and that’s what I love about being a superintendent. It’s a privilege to be recognized for just doing what you love every day.”

Isaac B. Grainger Awards

Established in 1995 as part of the USGA’s Centennial Celebration, the Isaac B. Grainger Award recognizes volunteers who have provided 25 years of service to the Association. Grainger served as USGA president from 1954-1955 and led the USGA effort to develop the first unified code of the Rules of Golf with The R&A in 1951.

Honorees include:

Craig Ammerman, of Tequesta, Fla.; Lee Coble, of Richmond, Va.; Richard Coon, of Amarillo, Texas; Kirke Doreweiler, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Sheri Erskine, of San Ramon, Calif.; Sarah M. Haas, of Carterville, Ill.; John A. Hendry, of Lafayette, La.; Fay Ann Kikta, of Titusville, Fla.; Jeffrey S. Kuhn, of Houston, Texas; James M. Litvack, of Princeton, N.J.; Robert Markionni, of Lemont, Ill.; Martha Jett McAlister, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; Mary Bea Porter-King, of Lihue, Hawaii; John T. Reis, of Paradise Valley, Ariz.; William K. Smith, of Baltimore, Md.; Rick Soskin, of Minnetonka, Minn.; Stephen L. Stine, of Sheridan, Wyo.; Judith L. Stine, of Sheridan, Wyo.; Mary Swingle, of Anthem, Ariz.; Sally Tomlinson, of Walnut Creek, Calif.; J. Daniel Walsh, of Stony Brook, N.Y.; Henri Wolbrette III, of Metairie, La.; and John S. Zoller, of Portland, Ore.

For more information, please visit http://www.usga.org.

Fred Funk and Kirk Triplett Withdraw From 2016 U.S. Senior Open Golf Championship

FRED FUNK has withdrawn from the 2016 U.S. Senior Open Championship on Monday, August 15.

Funk, who withdrew prior to the fourth round, shot 71-73-81–225 through 54 holes. Funk won the 2009 U.S. Senior Open Championship, held at Crooked Stick Golf Club, in Carmel, Ind. He was one of seven past U.S. Senior Open champions to make the 36-hole cut this week.

Funk was scheduled to begin from the 10th tee at 1:04 p.m. EDT and was playing with Kiyoshi Murota. Murota will now play in a group of four with Mark Calcavecchia, Brian Mogg and Tom Watson at 12:54 p.m.

 

PLAYER WITHDRAWAL: Kirk Triplett, Scottsdale, Ariz.

KIRK TRIPLETT has withdrawn from the 2016 U.S. Senior Open Championship on Monday, August 15.

Triplett, who withdrew prior to the fourth round, shot 75-72-72—219 through 54 holes. Triplett was competing in his fifth U.S. Senior Open.

Triplett was scheduled to begin from the 10th tee at 11:51 a.m. EDT and was playing with Greg Kraft and Billy Andrade.

Golf: USGA declars Dustin Johnson is a wonderful champion

Oakmont, USA

The USGA wishes to congratulate Dustin Johnson on his victory and thank him, and the other players in the field, for their professionalism and grace throughout the championship. Dustin is a wonderful champion, a talented golfer and a gentleman.

Our team at the USGA has seen and heard a great deal of discussion and debate about the ruling on Dustin’s ball moving during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. In addition to the explanations we offered upon the conclusion of the final round, we add these comments.

Upon reflection, we regret the distraction caused by our decision to wait until the end of the round to decide on the ruling. It is normal for rulings based on video evidence to await the end of a round, when the matter can be discussed with the player before the score card is returned. While our focus on getting the ruling correct was appropriate, we created uncertainty about where players stood on the leader board after we informed Dustin on the 12th tee that his actions on the fifth green might lead to a penalty. This created unnecessary ambiguity for Dustin and the other players, as well as spectators on-site, and those watching and listening on television and digital channels.

During any competition, the priority for Rules officials is to make the correct ruling for the protection of the player(s) involved and the entire field. In applying Rule 18-2, which deals with a ball at rest that moves, officials consider all the relevant evidence – including the player’s actions, the time between those actions and the movement of the ball, the lie of the ball, and course and weather conditions. If that evidence, considered together, shows that it is more likely than not that the player’s actions caused the ball to move, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty. Officials use this “more likely than not” standard because it is not always apparent what caused the ball to move. Such situations require a review of the evidence, with Decision 18-2/0.5 providing guidance on how the evidence should be weighed.

Our officials reviewed the video of Dustin on the fifth green and determined that based on the weight of the evidence, it was more likely than not that Dustin caused his ball to move. Dustin’s putter contacted the ground at the side of the ball, and almost immediately after, the ball moved.

We accept that not everyone will agree that Dustin caused his ball to move. Issues under Rule 18-2 often require a judgment where there is some uncertainty, and this was one of those instances. We also understand that some people may disagree with Rule 18-2 itself. While we respect the viewpoints of those who disagree, our Committee made a careful and collective judgment in its pursuit of a fair competition played under the Rules of Golf.

In keeping with our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work on behalf of the game of golf, we pledge to closely examine our procedures in this matter. We will assess our procedures for handling video review, the timing of such, and our communication with players to make sure that when confronted with such a situation again, we will have a better process.

We at the USGA deeply appreciate the support of players, fans, and the entire golf community of our championships and our other work for golf – and we appreciate your feedback as well. We have established an email address (comments@usga.org) and phone mailbox (908-326-1857) to receive comments. We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

We all share an abiding love of this great game. Let us continue to work together for its good.

Pacesetting Lowry tees off in hunt for U.S. Open glory

OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA: Irishman Shane Lowry had a first major title looming in his sights when he teed off on the par-four opening hole with a four-stroke lead in the final round of the weather-hit U.S. Open on Sunday.

The burly 29-year-old from Clara in County Offaly had birdied two of his last four holes for a five-under-par 65 when the marathon third round was finally completed earlier in the day to tighten his grip on the championship.

Lowry, who has looked unflappable at Oakmont Country Club on one of the toughest golf courses in the world, posted a seven-under total of 203 in pursuit of his second victory on the PGA Tour.

A win by him at Oakmont would earn Irish golf its 10th major title in a decade but he has several experienced campaigners chasing him who are also bidding for a first grand slam crown.

Jun 18, 2016; Oakmont, PA, USA; Shane Lowry lines up a putt on the 11th green during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth-ranked American Dustin Johnson, the tournament leader after 36 holes, was four strokes off the pace heading into the final round along with compatriot Andrew Landry, with England’s former world number one Lee Westwood a further stroke adrift.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia, a nine-times winner on the PGA Tour who has suffered several near-misses in the majors over the years, was at even par after 54 holes.

While danger lurked at every corner of a treacherous Oakmont layout running increasingly fast and firm under a blazing sun, the early starters on Sunday had shown that scoring opportunities were still plentiful.

Australia’s Marc Leishman picked up shots on the first three holes while American Brooks Koepka reeled off four consecutive birdies from the par-five fourth, then went birdie-eagle-birdie on nine, 10 and 11 to get to level-par for the tournament.

After a frustrating week at Oakmont where thunderstorms wreaked havoc by delaying the schedule for each of the first three rounds, the 116th U.S. Open was finally back on track on Sunday, and heading for its conclusion.

Lowry is seeking to become the third Irish golfer to win the U.S. Open, following Northern Irishmen Graeme McDowell (2010) and Rory McIlroy (2011), but the first from the Republic of Ireland.

N.Y. and Pittsburgh named FOR 2025 AND 2026 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

FAR HILLS, N.J. (June 18, 2016) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced sites for the 2025 and 2026 U.S. Open Championships, naming Oakmont Country Club in suburban Pittsburgh, Pa., and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., respectively, as the host sites.

“Bringing the U.S. Open Championship to Oakmont for the 10th time in 2025 is testament to the quality of this fine golf course and the longevity of the strong relationship the USGA has with the club,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “It is an honor to make this announcement during the 116th U.S. Open when everyone here can celebrate the Open’s return to this iconic course in nine years.

“In keeping with our goal of providing the most comprehensive test in championship golf, we are also honored to announce a return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the 2026 U.S. Open Championship,” Murphy said. “Four previous U.S. Opens there have yielded memorable competitions and worthy champions such as Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin and Retief Goosen. New York metropolitan area golf fans can anticipate another exciting chapter in their region’s golf history in 2026.”

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont will mark the 10th U.S. Open on the iconic H.C. Fownes design, the most of any U.S. club, and the 17th USGA championship. It will be held June 12-15.

In addition to 2016, Oakmont previously hosted the U.S. Open in 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994 and 2007. Oakmont’s illustrious past is filled with historic moments, including Jack Nicklaus’ first career victory as a professional in the 1962 U.S. Open, when he defeated Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff. Eleven years later, Johnny Miller scored the lowest round ever posted in any major championship to that time with an 8-under-par 63 in the final round to earn his only U.S. Open victory.

Oakmont’s 17 USGA championships are tied for second-most among U.S. clubs, behind only Merion Golf Club, which has hosted 18. Other USGA championships contested at Oakmont include five U.S. Amateurs (1919, 1925, 1938, 1969 and 2003) and two U.S. Women’s Opens, in 1992 and 2010.

Henry Clay (H.C.) Fownes remained president of the club from its inception in 1903 until his death in 1935. His son, William Clay, was the 1910 U.S. Amateur champion and a former USGA president who served as the club’s president until his resignation in 1946. Father and son, who were very close and shared a determination to make Oakmont the sternest championship test possible, tweaked the course throughout their tenure to maintain its exacting standards.

“We are thrilled to host the 2025 U.S. Open,” said Ed Stack, president of Oakmont Country Club. “Oakmont and the USGA have had a very special relationship for nearly a century, and we are honored they have chosen Oakmont to host a record 10th U.S. Open in 2025.”

The birth of Oakmont is a story of chance. H.C. Fownes began seeing alarming spots in his vision after using a welding torch in 1898, and a doctor gave him a prognosis of just a few years to live. He wanted to enjoy his final years and developed a passion for golf. Later, a second opinion from another doctor lifted the death sentence. After becoming one of the best golfers in the area, Fownes wanted to build a course that would challenge even the most talented players of the day.

The 2026 U.S. Open will be held June 18-21, and will mark the sixth U.S. Open and ninth USGA championship at Shinnecock Hills.

Past U.S. Opens contested at Shinnecock Hills include the second U.S. Open in 1896, when James Foulis outlasted Horace Rawlins by three strokes, and the 100th U.S. Open in 1995, won by Corey Pavin over Greg Norman by two strokes. Shinnecock Hills also hosted the U.S. Open in 1986, when Raymond Floyd broke away from Chip Beck and Lanny Wadkins to win by two strokes, and in 2004, when Retief Goosen captured his second U.S. Open, defeating Phil Mickelson by two.

Additionally, the USGA has conducted these national championships at Shinnecock Hills: the 1896 U.S. Amateur (won by H.J. Whigham); the 1900 U.S. Women’s Amateur (won by Frances Griscom); and the 1977 Walker Cup Match (won by the USA).

Shinnecock Hills will also host the 2018 U.S. Open, and is the only course to host the championship in three centuries. The 2026 U.S. Open will be the 20th in the state of New York and the 11th on Long Island.

Willie Davis designed the original 12-hole course in 1891 before expanding it to 18 holes in 1895. Members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation helped build the original layout. A series of renovations ensued before William Flynn designed and Dick Wilson built the modern course, inspired by those on the British Isles, in 1931.

“You can’t write the history of Shinnecock without writing the history of the USGA, and vice versa,” said Barrett N. Pickett, Shinnecock Hills president. “Our relationship today is stronger than ever. We are honored to host the 2026 U.S. Open, 130 years after our first in 1896.”

In 1894, Shinnecock Hills was one of the founding clubs of the USGA along with The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., Newport (R.I.) Country Club, Chicago (Ill.) Golf Club and Saint Andrew’s Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. It is also the home of the first clubhouse in the United States, designed by Stanford White and opened in 1892.

To download course images of Oakmont Country Club and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, visit 2025 and 2026 U.S. Open Sites Announcement.

Other future U.S. Open sites are: June 15-18, 2017, at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis.; June 14-17, 2018, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.; June 13-16, 2019, at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links; June 18-21, 2020, at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.; June 17-20, 2021, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, Calif.; June 16-19, 2022, at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.;June 15-18, 2023, at The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club; and June 13-16, 2024, at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

“We are truly honored to return to historic Oakmont and Shinnecock Hills,” said Mike Davis, USGA executive director/CEO. “The architectural genius of both courses offers a complete test of golf for the world’s best players and a fascinating spectacle for the fans. Both the Pittsburgh and New York markets have been very supportive of the U.S. Open. We look forward to history once again being made at these iconic venues.”

USGA Championships at Oakmont C.C.    
Championship Years and Winners

1919 U.S. Amateur: S. Davidson Herron def. Robert T. Jones, 5 and 4
1925 U.S. Amateur:  Robert T. Jones Jr. def. Watts Gunn, 8 and 7
1927 U.S. Open: Tommy Armour def. Harry Cooper, 301 (76)-301 (79)
1935 U.S. Open: Sam Parks by two strokes over Jimmy Thompson, 299-301
1938 U.S. Amateur: William Turnesa def. B. Patrick Abbott, 8 and 7
1953 U.S. Open: Ben Hogan by six strokes over Sam Snead, 283-289
1962 U.S. Open: Jack Nicklaus def. Arnold Palmer, 283 (71)-283 (74)
1969 U.S. Amateur: Steve Melnyk by five strokes over Marvin Giles, 286-291
1973 U.S. Open: Johnny Miller by one stroke over John Schlee, 279-280
1983 U.S. Open: Larry Nelson by one stroke over Tom Watson, 280-281
1992 U.S. Women’s Open: Patty Sheehan def. Juli Inkster, 280 (72)-280 (74)
1994 U.S. Open: Ernie Els def. Loren Roberts, Colin Montgomerie 279 (74-4-4)-279 (74-4-5)-279 (78)
2003 U.S. Amateur: Nick Flanagan def. Casey Wittenberg, 37 holes
2007 U.S. Open: Angel Cabrera by one stroke over Jim Furyk, Tiger Woods, 285-286
2010 U.S. Women’s Open: Paula Creamer by four strokes over Suzann Pettersen, Na Yeon Choi, 281-285
2016 U.S. Open: To be determined

USGA Championships at Shinnecock Hills G.C.
Championship Years and Winners 

1896 U.S. Open: James Foulis by three strokes over Horace Rawlins, 152-155
1896 U.S. Amateur: H.J. Whigham def. Joseph Thorp, 8 and 7
1900 U.S. Women’s Amateur: Frances Griscom def. Margaret Curtis, 6 and 5
1977 Walker Cup: USA def. Great Britain and Ireland, 18-6
1986 U.S. Open: Raymond Floyd by two strokes over Chip Beck, Lanny Wadkins, 279-281
1995 U.S. Open: Corey Pavin by two strokes over Greg Norman, 280-282
2004 U.S. Open: Retief Goosen by two strokes over Phil Mickelson, 276-278
2018 U.S. Open: To be determined