Concession golf club praised as U.S. Open caliber

EAST MANATEE -- A major golf magazine says The Concession Golf Club has all the amenities needed to become the first Florida course to host a U.S. Open.

LINKS Magazine recently listed the five-year-old East Manatee course among its top 10 choices to host a future U.S. Open, citing its scenic location and challenging layout.

The mention flattered those who work and play at the Jack Nicklaus-designed private course.

“It’s nice to be recognized by an unbiased source,” General Manager Bruce Cassidy Jr. said Tuesday. “Everyone here was excited. We are very proud of what we have here. To be a part of that conversation is something special.”

The magazine’s editors praised The Concession for its design and size, which allow it to challenge the world’s best players and handle the tournament’s logistical demands. They also were impressed by the presence of a climate control irrigation system that would enable the United States Golf Association to make the greens play as fast as possible.

But Cassidy said Florida’s steamy summer temperatures present a major roadblock, at least in terms of perception. He said it’s the reason the state has never hosted the U.S. Open, which is held in mid-June.

“We’ve never really focused on it,” Cassidy said of hosting one of golf’s four majors. “Is it probable? It gets pretty hot in Pittsburgh when they hold the Open at Oakmont, too, so anything is possible.”

Cassidy said the course, which has yet to host a major national event, is pursuing upcoming Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup tournaments. But there won’t be another U.S. site needed to host the Presidents Cup until 2017 or the Ryder Cup until 2024.

The course was designed by Nicklaus, a four-time Open champion, in connection with another Open winner, Tony Jacklin, to commemorate their famous “concession” in a 1969 Ryder Cup singles match. Nicklaus conceded a 2-foot putt to Jacklin, resulting in a tie between the United States and Europe.

No Nicklaus-designed course has hosted a U.S. Open. Nicklaus has solo-designed 228 courses around the world, according to nicklaus.com.

This story was originally published March 9, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Concession golf club praised as U.S. Open caliber."