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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (June 2, 2011) – Linda Hartough, world-renowned golf-landscape artist (www.hartough.com), has introduced her new painting, Congressional Country Club, 10th Hole, Blue Course in commemoration of this year’s U.S. Open Championship. The 111th U.S. Open Championship will be played June 16-19 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. 

This is Hartough’s 22nd painting in her U.S. Open series, commissioned by the United States Golf Association. Offered in a limited edition of 850 prints and an additional 85 artist proofs, each is signed and numbered by the artist. 

“Congressional is magnificent and the 10th hole at the Blue Course was a true pleasure to paint,” said Hartough, whose paintings and prints grace the collections of golf-art lovers the world over. 

As depicted in Hartough’s painting, the 10th hole of the Blue Course, on the site of the original par-three 18th hole, offers a spectacular view of the recently-renovated clubhouse. The artist captures the intriguing contours of the hole and its stunning backdrop.

“Linda’s work is truly magical,” said John Lyberger, PGA Director of Golf at Congressional CC. “She brings the golf course to life and captures the essence of Congressional Country Club.”

Hartough painted the first of her U.S. Open series in 1990, when Hale Irwin won at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. 

A confirmed artist since childhood, early in her career Hartough painted landscapes, portraits and horses. In 1984, Augusta National Golf Club commissioned her to paint its famous 13th hole, an event which propelled Hartough toward specialization as a golf-landscape painter. Since then, her work has achieved a distinguished status, displayed in the permanent collections of such legendary clubs as Augusta National, Laurel Valley, Pinehurst and Pine Valley, as well as in the personal collections of such golf notables as Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Known for extraordinary attention to detail in her recreation of some of golf’s most beautiful holes, Hartough imbues her paintings with admiration for the scenery’s natural beauty and respect for the game’s history and tradition, elements which seem to emerge from the canvas.

Hartough is a Founding Trustee of the Academy of Golf Art, a professional society of golf artists established in 2004 to create an awareness and appreciation of golf art as a valuable segment of fine art. 

For more information, visit www.hartough.com.

The USGA annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and 10 national amateur championships. It also conducts two state team championships and helps conduct the Walker Cup Match, Curtis Cup Match and World Amateur Team Championships. Each year, more than 35,000 players representing more than 80 countries submit entries to play in USGA Championships. 

The USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries. The USGA writes and administers the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations and, since 1920, has been a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history, and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program.

For more information, visit www.usga.org. 

In 1924, Congressional Country Club, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., opened its doors to legislators, businessmen and persons of national and local prominence. The Club has a rich history of U.S. Presidents as members or visitors. Presidents Coolidge, Taft, Hoover, Wilson and Harding were lifetime members. President Eisenhower and his Cabinet regularly retreated to the Club’s greens. In recent times, Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton have visited the Club. 

Two 18-hole golf courses challenge Congressional CC members and visitors. The Blue Course has hosted two previous U.S. Open Championships: in 1964 (won by Ken Venturi) and in 1997 (won by Ernie Els). The 1997 U.S. Open was a particularly memorable event, as Jack Nicklaus concluded his 150th major tournament since 1957.