Notre Dame And Newport Getting '19 And '20 Senior Opens

The U.S. Senior Open is heading to some swell places: an American classic and a Coore/Crenshaw design that has emerged from early struggles to become one of America's best college courses.

Ryan Belmore reports exclusively that Newport CC in Rhode Island will get the 2020 edition where Phil Mickelson will be eligible but will pass because he's trying to earn a few more pre-Whistling Straits Ryder Cup points!

The full USGA release on Notre Dame's Warren Course landing the 2019 edition

“The USGA is proud to partner with the University of Notre Dame, an institution whose national and international student body is reflective of the 156-player field in the U.S. Senior Open Championship,” said Stuart Francis, USGA Championship Committee chairman. “The U.S. Senior Open is senior golf’s most coveted championship and we know the Warren Course will examine the players’ skills as they compete for the Francis D. Ouimet Memorial Trophy.”

Al Lesar of the South Bend Tribune has more details on how the bid came about and future enhancements to the course.

Bill Warren, who has named the course for his parents William K. and Natalie Warren, is enhancing his financial backing to help with course modifications and improvements over the next three years.

Logistically, the course will be turned upside down. All that will take will be changing the signs.
The current back nine will be the front nine of the tournament layout. Holes 7, 8 and 9 will be 10, 11 and 12. Holes 1 through 6 will be the finishing holes, allowing better access for spectators, grandstands and hospitality tents.