Want to Play Merion, Shinnecock, or Kiawah Island? Get Your AmEx Out

Last year, we had an opportunity to tag along as American Express cardmembers participated in the USGA Champions Experience that the company organized at Trump National in Bedminster, NJ.  We played the course with Morgan Pressel and US Open champion Lucas Glover (who I beat in a chipping contest), took a tour of the USGA's headquarters, and had a blast. 

This year, AmEx continues presenting those opportunities in a program called Championship Tees.  The program allows cardmembers (like me) to play courses that will host USGA or PGA of America championships in the coming years or have previously.  Merion is coming up soon.  Shinnecock, Chambers, Kiawah, Baltusrol and others come later in the summer.

Check out the schedule of courses.  From experience, the fee is well worth it.  If only I could find a way to attend each one...

For those of you that may not be able to participate in Championship Tees, the Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association has a sweepstakes to win a four day, three night stay at Falling Rock Hotel and play Mystic Rock golf course.  The winners also get to meet and hang out with Latrobe, PA's own Arnold Palmer.