What Makes A Course Fit For A US Open Qualifying Tournament & How The Ike Fits The Bill
The US Golf Association (USGA) chooses the US Open Championship qualifying courses based on a variety of factors that range from its ability to challenge golfers to the expansive facilities needed to accommodate and meet the demands of an event like the US Open.
The Pacific Palms Resort is proud to have a US Open course onsite here at Industry Hills Golf Club. The Eisenhower course, known to regulars as “The Ike” has hosted the US Open Qualifying Tournaments on several occasions over the years. Here’s a little background about the championship course and PGA events at the Pacific Palms Resort.
The Eisenhower (The Ike) Golf Course
Designed by William F. Bell and Casey O’Callaghan, the Eisenhower Golf Course is a popular course at Industry Hills Golf Club near LA. Located onsite at the Pacific Palms Resort, this 18-hole classic par 72 course offers lush fairways and large greens that keep fans and pros coming back year after year.
Named for Dwight D. Eisenhower, the former US President who loved golf, the course was also given the nickname “Ike” just like its namesake. The popular Los Angeles golf course is known as one of the most challenging in Southern California, making it an obvious choice for the US Open Qualifying Tournaments as well as the LPGA Tour events, which it has hosted several times. The Ike golf course has continued to impress fans since its reopening in late 2006 after a multimillion-dollar renovation and is a must-play when staying at the Pacific Palms Resort near LA.
In order for a golf course to be considered as a host for the US Open Qualifying Tournament, it must meet certain requirements as follows:
Requirements for a Host Golf Course for the US Open Qualifying Tournament
Requirement #1: Size and Capacity
The course must be able to accommodate a large number of players, typically around 100 or more, for an 18-hole local US Open Tournament qualifier.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
- The Ike Golf Course stretches 5,662 yards from the forward tees to 7,211 yards.
- This popular Los Angeles golf course can accommodate the anticipated crowds for the popular events.
Requirement #2: Course Rating and Difficulty
According to the USGA, the host golf course should be set up to challenge players of varying skill levels, including those with a 0.4 or lower Handicap Index.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
- The Eisenhower Golf Course features slope ratings from 130 to 145.
- The Ike Golf Course is designed to be difficult and challenge even the best players.
- The course features narrow fairways, challenging greens, and significant hazards.
- Strategic details such as sand bunkers/sand traps, waterways, doglegs, pin position, make for an interesting and challenging course.
Requirement #3: 18-Hole Layout
The US Open host course must have a traditional 18-hole layout that can be used for the competition.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
- The Ike Golf Course at Industry Hills Golf Club features an18-hole, classic par 72 course.
Requirement #4: Facilities
US Open golf courses must have adequate facilities for scoring, registration, and other necessary US Open Tournament operations.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
- Industry Hills Golf Club has facilities for hosting tournaments.
- The golf club has 36 holes of championship golf on two courses.
- The resort’s $2 million state-of-the-art driving range offers 64 double-decked stalls, synthetic turf, simulated hazards and two putting greens. It also offers individual and group instruction by PGA golf professionals.
- Both courses and the clubhouse were updated as part of a $17 million refurbishment project. Landscape upgrades made the award-winning courses more luxurious and playable without changing the layout.
- Plans for the golf club included a new pro shop, new Tifway II grass on fairways, reshaped bunkers with crushed marble, five new greens on each course, and a high-tech irrigation system.
Requirement #5: Location and Accessibility
To serve as a US Open course, it should be reasonably accessible for players traveling to the qualifying event.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
- The Ike Golf Course is located near several different regional and major airports, offers on-site dining, and it is conveniently located in City of Industry in Los Angeles near the freeway.
- The Pacific Palms Resort is centrally located in Industry Hills, Calif., just 23 miles from downtown Los Angeles and within proximity to Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
- Ideal location is just 38 miles to major Southern California area airports, including Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario.
Requirement #6: Past Hosting Experience
The USGA may consider a course's past experience hosting USGA events or other high-level tournaments when selecting qualifying sites.
How The Ike Golf Course Stacks Up:
Professional Events at the Eisenhower Golf Course include:
- LPGA Kia Classic
- Monday Qualifier for Northern Trust PGA Event
- Men’s and Women’s US Open Qualifiers
- LPGA Olympia Gold Classic (2 years)
- Korea-Am LPGA Pro-Am
- SCGA /SCPGA Championship Tournaments
- California State Women’s Championship
- AJGA Junior Championships
- SCPGA Junior Tour
- Industry Hills City Championship
Industry Hills Golf Club has hosted many corporate and charity events that include:
- The ESPY Celebrity Golf Tournament
- The ESPN – Lexus Celebrity Golf Tournament
- AT & T Jim Hill & Tim Brown Celebrity Golf Tournament
Play the Same Course the PGA Professionals Play During Your Stay at the Pacific Palms Resort Near LA
The Eisenhower Golf Course is a must-play when staying at the Pacific Palms Resort Hotel near LA. This world-class championship golf course at Industry Hills Golf Club offers a challenge for golfers of every level, beautiful scenery, large fairways, and lush greens that make The Ike a favorite of everyone from professionals to amateurs.
In addition to the amazing onsite championship golf course, the Pacific Palms Resort, known as LA's hilltop hideaway, is the only full-service luxury golf and conference resort in Los Angeles County. With majestic views of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains and amazing onsite resort-style amenities, our City of Industry resort near Los Angeles is the best place to stay for a golf retreat for professional or amateur golfers who want to be close to the excitement of LA with the perfect amount of privacy and commute from the city.
Make plans for your next stay at the Pacific Palms Resort and enjoy our golf course and other resort-style amenities at one of the best hotels near Los Angeles for golfers and spectators of the sport!
