Cherry Hills is hosting its 10th USGA championship this week, with its rich history boasting champions like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Phil Mickelson. The club, founded in 1922, was the first to host a U.S. Open west of the Mississippi in 1938. Colorado Golf Club, although younger with a 16-year history, has also held prestigious tournaments like the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur, the Solheim Cup, and the Senior PGA Championship.
By August 20, Cherry Hills will celebrate another champion. Here are key points about the upcoming event:
Classic Restored
- Cherry Hills, a century-old William Flynn design, underwent a restoration by Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf, wrapped up in 2022.
- The club’s restoration prominently features Little Dry Creek and smaller-than-average greens. Eric Iverson, the lead associate, highlights the challenges of adjusting to Denver’s altitude and how William Flynn’s designs challenge players with back-to-front green slopes.
Star Power
- In 2012, Cherry Hills showcased future champions like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
- This week, 18 out of the top 20 World Amateur Golf Ranking® players will compete, including Gordon Sargent, Dylan Menante, and Nick Dunlap. Michael Thorbjornsen, unfortunately, had to withdraw due to injury.
1 in 5 Will Survive
- The championship begins with 312 players, but only 64 (or 20%) will progress to the match-play bracket.
- In 2012, Steven Fox won as a No. 63 seed, a rarity in USGA championships.
- Out of 8,253 entries this year, only about 4% made it to the championship, showcasing the intense competition.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)
Wednesday, August 16 (Round of 64), 5 p.m.-6 p.m. (Peacock), 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Thursday, August 17 (Round of 16), 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (Peacock), 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Friday, August 18 (Quarterfinals), 5 p.m.-6 p.m. (Peacock), 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Saturday, August 19 (Semifinals), 3 p.m.-4 p.m. (Golf Channel), 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, August 20 (Championship Match), 3 p.m.-4 p.m. (Golf Channel), 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (NBC)
