Philly cheesesteaks, The Phillies, “The City of Brotherly Love,” The Liberty Bell, golf. Ok, so maybe that last one was a stretch. While Philadelphia is known for many things, golf may not immediately come to mind when thinking of the second largest city on the East Coast. However, avid golfers and golf aficionados know that this city holds one of the most revered courses in history. This June, the 2013 U.S. Open will be played at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore for the first time in more than 30 years. Yes, we just did a “victory lap” as well.
From June 10-16, Philly will hold one of the four majors, allowing spectators to watch Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson duke it out on the greens of the historic Merion course. Of course, if we’re talking history, we should mention that in 1930, Bobby Jones completed the only grand slam in the history of golf here. Jones successfully won the U.S. Amateur Championship, the British Open, the British Amateur and the U.S. Open in the same year. This feat hasn't been repeated since. This will be the sixth U.S. Open Championship to be held at Merion.
During the week of the U.S. Open, there will be plenty of events to keep golfers and non-golfers busy. The USGA and Independence Visitor Center will be hosting a pop-up U.S. Open Experience at Independence Mall. Each week will hold new interactive activities like educational exhibits and a chance to purchase official Championship memorabilia at the official U.S. Open merchandise store. In the second week of tournaments, live big-screen golf coverage, simulated playing opportunities and authentic USGA bleacher seating will be complimentary and available to the public.
When watching the best of the best at the U.S. Open, you may as well stay at one of the top luxury hotels in Philadelphia. Since on-site parking won’t be an option for spectators, the 30-minute train ride from Ardmore will be easiest from a hotel in downtown.
Omni Hotel at Independence Park: The four-star property is a European-style hotel with major landmarks and tourist attractions close by. Omni offers three levels of accommodations ranging from guestrooms to suites and the ultimate in luxury: the penthouse suite. All rooms come with imported marble baths, fine furnishings and views of Independence Park.The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia: Like any Ritz-Carlton property, this hotel delivers unparalleled service and sophisticated style. Its location puts guests in the center of some of the finest dining, shopping and entertainment. Since standing on your feet all day to watch golf can get tiresome on your body, pamper yourself at the award-winning spa during your stay.
The Westin Philadelphia: With a Rittenhouse Square address, style and luxury are sure to follow. The Westin invites guests to relax in an ultra-comfortable Westin Heavenly Bed in a Grand Luxury suite. Spacious and filled with unique Starwood touches, these suites offer marble baths, thick terry robes and premium Starbucks coffee.
A limited number of individual tickets are available for purchase through the USGA, so make sure to snatch them up before it's too late.
