skip to main content

Limited Fans Permitted for 2021 U.S. Open

April 19, 2021 Liberty Corner, N.J. By Jeff Altstadter, USGA
A limited number of fans will be permitted to attend this year's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines under strict COVID-19 protocols. (Jeff Haynes/USGA)

A limited number of fans will be permitted to attend the 121st U.S. Open Championship, scheduled June 17-20 at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) in San Diego, Calif. 

"Last year, we missed the energy that fans bring to our U.S. Open championships," said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director, Championships. "We are grateful to our local and state health and safety officials in California to be in a position to welcome some fans back this year to witness the greatest players in the world contending for these prestigious championships, while working to maintain the health and safety of all involved."

Those who have already purchased tickets to the U.S. Open will receive a direct communication from the USGA with additional details.

Information on tickets for the championship can be found here

The USGA will continue to monitor developments and guidelines in California and will update local policies and procedures on the championships' respective websites as required. The following guidelines will be in place for the U.S. Open:  

  • Face coverings will be required for fans, staff and volunteers, and must be worn at all times, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status;
  • All fans, staff, and volunteers will be required to abide by social distancing guidelines;
  • State of California residents must show proof that vaccination against COVID-19 has occurred at least 14 days prior to the championships or that a negative test result has been received;
  • It will be mandatory for all out-of-state fans to provide proof that vaccination against COVID-19 has occurred at least 14 days prior to the championship;
  • Information regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification will be made available on uswomensopen.com and usopen.com;
  • Sanitization stations will be available throughout the grounds, and spectators will be permitted to bring hand sanitizer.


Torrey Pines will host the U.S. Open for the second time; in 2008, it was the site of Tiger Woods' memorable Monday playoff victory over Rocco Mediate.

The U.S. Open will be the 85th USGA championship to be played in California, following two weeks after the 76th U.S. Women's Open at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. The two Opens were previously held in the same state during the same year only twice before, in 1971 and 2014. Fifty years ago in Pennsylvania, Lee Trevino won the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, and JoAnne Carner won the Women’s Open at The Kahkwa Club in Erie. Seven years ago, the Opens were contested on the same course in consecutive weeks at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club (Course No. 2), in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C., where Martin Kaymer and Michelle Wie West were victorious.