Approaching Oakmont Country Club from the southwest, the golf course doesn`t immediately reveal itself. Hulton Road, lined with trees and charming houses, leads to the property. Even the famous green clubhouse serves as a divide between the quiet residential area and the demanding golf test that lies beyond.
Inside the clubhouse, the rich history of the venue is evident everywhere. Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open 10 times, more than any other course in the nation. Stepping out the back, the challenging layout of the course powerfully presents itself.
Golfer Jon Rahm commented on the view, saying, “From key tees like the first, 10th, 18th, and ninth, you can see the entire layout of the property. The course is beautiful and completely visible.”
The immense 191-acre stretch of green seems to go on forever. Standing behind the clubhouse, nearly all 18 flags are visible. This visibility feels almost like a challenge, implying there`s nothing hidden to fear, as everything is laid out before you.
Oakmont, often called one of golf`s great venues and strongly associated with the U.S. Open, is undeniably beautiful. However, it also presents a stern, challenging test. This week, 156 players from around the globe will face scrutiny from this unique course, the only one designed by Henry Fownes, each hoping to be the one capable of mastering it.
Jeff Hall, who has worked on four USGA setup teams at Oakmont, described it as the most stressful U.S. Open venue. He explained, “The U.S. Open should be challenging in a proper way, testing players mentally, emotionally, and physically. At Oakmont, all these demands are significantly amplified.”
Current top player Scottie Scheffler, along with others like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, may be favorites, but they aren`t the primary focus this week. Oakmont itself is the main attraction. All players competing will have four rounds to show they deserve to share the spotlight with the course.
Scottie Scheffler commented on the course`s difficulty, stating, “This is likely the most difficult golf course we will ever play.”
The concept of what defines a “true U.S. Open” has changed. Previously, severe rough and thick trees were standard. Now, the USGA hosts the event at courses like Los Angeles Country Club, characterized by wider fairways and unique contours. The focus has shifted from ensuring high winning scores to respecting the original design and intent of great architects. Diversity in courses, shots, and playing styles is now prioritized.
Oakmont, however, is different. Since its establishment in 1903, its design and subsequent modifications have always aimed at increasing its difficulty. This is clear from its history: in its previous nine U.S. Opens, the winning score has never been better than 5-under par. Historically, only 2% of major championship participants at Oakmont have finished under par.
Architect Gil Hanse, who worked on the 2023 restoration, noted that Oakmont has consistently aimed for toughness since its founding by Henry Fownes. He recalled a clear message from the members: “The only time I`ve come out of a meeting where we presented the master plan and the message was unequivocally `it better not be easier when you`re done` was at Oakmont.”
Jeff Hall mentioned that Oakmont`s club culture allows it to be ready to host a U.S. Open with little notice, somewhat simplifying the USGA`s setup task. The primary adjustment involves growing the rough to over five inches. The main difficulty for the setup team is balancing weather, green speeds, hole positions, and tee placements to create a course that is challenging but not impossible.
Hall used an analogy: “You cannot push the difficulty too far. It`s like riding Secretariat; you need to maintain control.”
While difficult, Oakmont is also complex due to Hanse`s restoration and the USGA`s setup. Unlike Augusta National, where players learn safe places to miss shots, Oakmont`s dense rough, tricky tee shots, and extremely fast greens (up to 15 Stimpmeter) don`t offer easy misses. Instead, the course indicates small safe areas and makes reaching them exceptionally hard.
Players need power and distance to manage the course length and thick rough. They also need fine touch to shape shots with the right flight and spin to land on the limited usable areas of the challenging greens. Regardless of where the ball lands, strategic thinking is crucial to determine the best way to play the next shot.
Justin Thomas noted that at a course like Oakmont, the USGA doesn`t need to make special adjustments to test players physically and mentally. He explained that the course inherently challenges both aspects. Thomas added, “If you become careless on any shot – a drive, wedge, chip, or putt – you can quickly make mistakes.”
Facing difficult lies in the rough or unfortunate bounces requires immense patience. Even from the fairway, discipline is essential to resist attacking tempting pin positions that are risky. Players must recover from errors quickly and move on, as repeated mistakes can ruin a round or end the tournament hopes.
Collin Morikawa commented that being penalized even on good shots is part of playing Oakmont. He emphasized the severity of the rough: “I don`t think people fully grasp how deep the rough is. It`s truly thick. It will grab your clubface.”
Indeed, Oakmont is punishing; its bunkers are strategically placed and designed to penalize. While Rory McIlroy described feeling it was “impossible” after a practice round score of 81 with difficult pins, the successes of champions like Dustin Johnson, Ángel Cabrera, Johnny Miller, and Jack Nicklaus demonstrate that mastery is possible.
This course doesn`t merely favor skilled players; it requires exceptional performance.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau acknowledged Oakmont as likely the toughest course currently. He noted it`s not a simple power test like some others, stating, “You can`t just hit driver everywhere and ignore bunkers, expecting wedges to roll onto greens. This course demands slightly more strategic play, particularly because the rough is so deep.”
Some players might find the greens excessively difficult due to their speed or contours. Michael Kim, for instance, described Oakmont`s diverse greens as “Mickey Mouse” while also admitting that to challenge today`s top players effectively, a course needs many of Oakmont`s features.
Justin Thomas, reflecting on his experience (finishing 8-over par and tied for 32nd in 2016), stated, “I know this place is hard. I don`t need to read articles or hear horror stories. I`ve played it. I understand its difficulty.”
The debate about whether Oakmont is too difficult or unfair for a U.S. Open depends heavily on perspective. In an era where many PGA Tour events and even majors see low winning scores, partly due to equipment and setups favoring power over other skills, Oakmont`s prominence feels revitalizing. Even golfers anticipating the challenge ahead recognize this.
Xander Schauffele offered his view: “Everyone is playing the same tough course. Whether you think something is unfair doesn`t ultimately matter. Success goes to whoever handles the conditions best. My approach is to view it as an exciting challenge rather than a dreadful experience.”
Videos circulating this week have highlighted the extreme difficulty players face getting out of the thick rough, holding shots on the greens, or putting downhill. This has created an expectation that even the world`s top golfers might struggle significantly over the four rounds.
Jeff Hall described the USGA`s role: “Our aim is simply to set the stage. We ensure the challenge is comprehensive. To lift the trophy on Sunday, a player must have performed excellently across all aspects of the game for 72 holes.”
While some player frustration with the course might be developing, it could become more apparent as the conditions become firmer and faster. Most players appear ready to accept the challenge. Some even view any complaints from others as a potential psychological edge.
Justin Thomas candidly admitted, “Honestly and selfishly, I hope it mentally affects many players. Preparing for Oakmont involves more than just practicing shots or reading greens; it includes developing a mental and strategic plan for the course.”
Oakmont`s reputation allows for greater difficulty than most venues. Architect Gil Hanse found it liberating to work on a course designed to be tough. For instance, during practice rounds, groundskeepers used leaf blowers to make the rough stand up, increasing its difficulty. This action can be seen as both the course`s character and the USGA embracing the venue`s identity, rather than just making it hard arbitrarily.
Hanse reflected on balancing difficulty and good design: “There`s a delicate balance between challenging, good architecture, and excessive difficulty. At Oakmont, it feels like you can`t go too far. It`s as if their principle was, `Let`s continually push the boundaries of difficulty.`”
The ultimate limit of difficulty remains uncertain, as does the USGA`s intent regarding it. Weather will play a role, with rain expected. Hanse predicted an over-par winning score if the rain stops. While some players might be frustrated or dismissive of the challenge, others understand that the demanding conditions, though tough for them, make for compelling viewing.
Xander Schauffele suggested the audience`s preference: “Viewers aren`t tuning in to see players hit routine shots onto the green. I believe they watch the U.S. Open to witness players struggle and shoot high scores. That challenging aspect is part of the viewer`s enjoyment.”
After a nine-year break from hosting, Oakmont is once again the focus of the golfing world.
Let the challenge commence.
