Historic Shift: US Women’s Open Makes Debut at Iconic Riviera Country Club

The U.S. Women’s Open (USWO) is set to make history this week as it returns to Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California—the first time the tournament has been held at the famed venue. This marks a pivotal moment in women’s golf, as the sport continues its push to secure equal access to the game’s most storied courses, long dominated by men’s events.

A Legacy of Excellence Meets a New Era

Riviera Country Club, often referred to as “Hogan’s Alley” for its association with Ben Hogan’s 1940s victories, has long been a cornerstone of men’s golf. The club’s 18th green, where Hogan’s legacy is immortalized, will now witness history as female golfers compete for the USWO title. The tournament’s arrival at Riviera underscores a broader effort by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to align women’s major championships with the same iconic venues that have hosted men’s competitions for decades.

“Venues are everything,” said Morgan Pressel, a former LPGA Tour star and advocate for equal access to golf’s historic courses. “When you play at a place like Riviera, you’re not just competing—you’re adding your name to a legacy that spans generations.”

USGA’s Strategic Shift

The USGA’s decision to bring the USWO to Riviera follows a multi-year strategy to elevate the women’s game by prioritizing “America’s greatest venues.” Since 2017, the organization has announced 17 of the next 22 USWO sites, many of which have historically hosted men’s majors. These include Merion (host of six U.S. Opens), Shinnecock (home to the 2013 U.S. Open), and Oakmont, where J.J. Spaun’s dramatic 2024 putt became a defining moment in men’s golf history.

“We’ve made it a priority to ensure women’s golf has the same stage as men’s,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championship officer. “The playing fields matter when it comes to equality and equity.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

The move to Riviera is part of a broader trend in golf. In recent years, venues like Royal Troon (Scotland) and Muirfield (England) have hosted their first Women’s Opens, while St. Andrews’ Old Course, which first staged the event in 2007, has become a symbol of progress. Lorena Ochoa, Stacy Lewis, and Lydia Ko have all claimed victory at St. Andrews, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for female golfers.

Pressel, who competed during an era when women’s majors often took place at less-heralded courses, emphasized the significance of the shift. “When you play at a venue like Riviera, you’re not just competing—you’re part of a story that’s been told for decades,” she said. “It’s about recognition, respect, and the chance to leave your own mark.”

The Road Ahead

The USWO’s journey to iconic venues is far from complete. The 2029 edition will take place at Pinehurst, directly following the men’s U.S. Open, while the R&A plans to bring the Women’s Open to Royal St. George’s in 2027—after hosting 15 men’s Opens. These moves reflect a growing consensus that women’s golf deserves the same platforms as its male counterpart.

As the 2026 USWO gets underway, the tournament’s presence at Riviera Country Club serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still ahead. For players, fans, and advocates, the event is more than a competition—it’s a step toward a future where the sport’s greatest stages are accessible to all.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 US Women’s Open will be held at Riviera Country Club, a historic venue previously reserved for men’s majors.
• The USGA has committed to prioritizing iconic golf courses for women’s championships, aligning them with men’s events.
• Advocates like Morgan Pressel stress the importance of venue equity in advancing women’s golf.
• Recent years have seen the Women’s Open debut at historic courses like Royal Troon and Muirfield, signaling a shift in the sport’s landscape.