Inspired by the U.S. Open get in on the golf action? Try a round at FDR Golf Club in South Philadelphia. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
This week, the 2013 U.S. Open comes to the world-famous Merion Golf Club, the historic course located on Philadelphia's Main Line.
But, you didn’t score tickets to the Open, you say? That’s no reason not to get in on the championship golf tournament action.
For the first time in more than 30 years, Philadelphia is hosting one of golf's four major championships and that’s definitely something worth observing — be it on television or by checking out a golf-themed exhibition.
Read on for our picks on ways to celebrate this major golf happening in and around town.
U.S. Open Experience on Independence Mall: Merion isn’t the only place in town getting in on the action. The USGA, the association that puts on the Open, has teamed up with the Independence Visitor Center to host a very cool free U.S. Open Experience on Independence Mall for the week of the U.S. Open, through Sunday, June 10-16. Look for an interactive golf extravaganza with memorabilia, official Championship merchandise, a complete replica of the green on Merion’s famous 14th hole, a jumbotron with a live tournament simulcast and more. See below for a map of the cool attractions.
When: Saturday & Sunday, June 15 & 16, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday-Friday, regular Visitor Center hours
Where: Independence Mall, 1 North Independence Mall
Cost: Free
More info: www.usga.org
The Art of Golf at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Perfectly coinciding with the U.S. Open, The Art of Golf at the Philadelphia Museum of Art centers around The Golfers, a masterpiece by Scottish artist Charles Lees that dates to 1847, and golf’s important role in art history.
When: Through July 7
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: Free with museum admission
More info: www.philamuseum.org
Philly Mini-Golf at Franklin Square: Center City’s only miniature golf course, Philly Mini-Golf at Franklin Square features 18 holes of putt-putt golf fit for all skill levels and ages. Designed after favorite Philly spots like Elfreth's Alley, the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Liberty Bell, it’s a super family-friendly way to get outside and play a round.
When: Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Cost: Adults, $9; ages 12 and under, $7; children under 2, free
More info: www.historicphiladelphia.org
Franklin D. Roosevelt Golf Club Driving Range: Inspired by Tiger and Rory? Work on your game within city limits at theFDR Golf Club. The course, situated within Fairmount Park and open to the public, was established in 1940 the par-69 course utilizes the surrounding natural wetlands as well as a canal that runs through the course as hazards.
Where: FDR Park, 1954 Pattison Avenue
Cost: Green fees vary
More info: www.golfphilly.org
Cobb’s Creek Golf Club: As the first public golf course in the Greater Philadelphia area, Cobb’s Creek is a historic landmark of golf in Philadelphia and just four miles from Merion Golf Club. With two 18-hole courses, there is plenty of play for all, but the Olde Course has been nationally ranked as the #6 Best Municipal Course in by Golfweek Magazine, and was designed by architect Hugh Wilson, who also designed the east course at Merion, home of the U.S. Open.
Where: 7400 Lansdowne Avenue
Cost: Green fees vary
More info: www.golfphilly.org
Virtual U.S. Open: Sign in on the U.S. Open website to try your (virtual) hand at playing the course Merion Golf Club. Register for free here, practice your swing and compete with other virtual players for a chance to win a grand-prize trip to the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
Cost: Free
More info: www.usopen.org
U.S. Open Week is underway at Merion Golf Club on Philadelphia's Main Line. Practice rounds continue today and Wednesday, with Championship rounds teeing off Thursday through Sunday. (Copyright USGA/Darren Carroll)
