Replacing the U.S. Amateur Public Links, this tournament celebrates the camaraderie and strategy inherent in team play, bringing together two-player teams from across the nation.
In its inaugural year, the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball accepted 2,234 entries, the third-most number of entries behind the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur. In 2025, nearly 2,500 entries were accepted. The format of amateur and four-ball golf has allowed many to compete on an elite stage where they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. This is highlighted by 36 states and eight countries being represented, and the competitor’s age range of the youngest, 16, to the oldest, 63. In those entries have been many amateur golfers who have gone on to their own decorated careers, notably Bryson DeChambeau who has 14 professional wins, including two U.S. Open titles in 2020 and 2024.
Over the years, the Championship has graced some of America’s most challenging courses.
From Winged Foot Golf Club in New York to Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, and Chambers Bay in Washington, each venue has added its unique flavor to the competition. This year, the Championship is set at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, whose historic course originally opened in 1921.
Adding to the legacy of this evolving tournament, Desert Mountain Club is honored to host the 2026 edition of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Cochise Golf Course and Outlaw Golf Course will play host to the early stroke play competition, while Cochise will host the championship match play rounds.
Both courses are designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, but each will provide their own unique challenge for all golfers. First opened in 1988, Cochise is a demanding course bordered by desert terrain at all turns. At its full length of 7,042 yards, Cochise will require precision to master its rolling fairways and greens, where players will also encounter island greens and formidable rock formations. With Outlaw, Jack Nicklaus set out to design something different. Reminiscent of a traditional Scottish links-style course, Outlaw plays true to its inspiration. Set adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and minus any homes built along the course, the undulating fairways and greens and variations in desert winds put any golfer to a true test of skill.
Cochise itself is no stranger to the best of the best walking its course. From 1989 to 2001, Cochise was the venue for the PGA TOUR Champions’ major, The Tradition. Golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, who secured four victories in 1990, 1991, 1995 and 1996, and Lee Trevino, who won in 1992, each played on this challenging design. As well, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship took place at Cochise from 2012 through 2016. During this period, the event showcased former #1 ranked golfers such as Tom Lehman and Fred Couples, who won in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Beyond professional tournaments, Desert Mountain also heavily supports amateur golf. Outlaw has hosted many of these tournaments, notably the Southwestern Amateur Championship since 2013, as well as some collegiate tournaments, including the most recent Desert Mountain Intercollegiate in March 2025 which included top-ranked schools like Michigan (the host school) Mississippi State, Utah, Pacific and Kansas.
Desert Mountain is once again excited to welcome some of the best amateur golfers in the world, adding to its storied history of championship golf. The next edition of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship will surely be one to remember on the golf calendar.
