Oakmont: An Unmatched Challenge at the U.S. Open
After days of preparation for the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, the world’s best golfers have come to a resounding conclusion: this course presents an unprecedented challenge.Scottie Scheffler, current world number one and favorite for this week, has demonstrated his dominance at Augusta National and other demanding courses. However, even he recognizes the difficulty of Oakmont, a course that has hosted numerous U.S. Opens and has never seen a winner with a score better than 5 under par.This is probably the most difficult golf course we will play, maybe ever.
Scottie Scheffler
Oakmont is not just a difficult course, it’s something more. The course design and rough conditions present unique challenges for the players.The U.S. Open is a completely different type of test compared to the Masters.
Scottie Scheffler
The difficulty of Oakmont has been the central theme of the championship. Players have spoken at length about the challenges it presents, from the dense rough to the fast greens.When you miss the green at the Masters, the ball rolls and you have different options. Here, you get into the heavy rough and you have to see how you get the ball out.
Scottie Scheffler
DeChambeau, who won the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 2020, highlights the need for precision and strategy on each hole.I think everyone knows that this is probably the most difficult golf course in the world right now.
Bryson DeChambeau
Collin Morikawa, two-time major winner, has also studied the course and acknowledges the difficulty of the rough.You have to be a little more strategic in this field.
Bryson DeChambeau
Players brace for the possible chaos Oakmont could generate, especially if the predicted rain doesn’t arrive.I don’t think people understand how thick the rough is.
Collin Morikawa
Oakmont’s greens, with their pronounced slopes and potentially high speeds, could be the deciding factor in the tournament.The greens are already speeding up. They will get firmer as the sun comes out and the wind increases.
Collin Morikawa
Despite the challenges, players find solace in the fact that all competitors will face the same field. It’s going to be a good test, a difficult test. And I think one of the truest representations of what the U.S. Open is.It’s part of the preparation, like trying to hit wedges or trying to get the speed of the greens. It’s getting a game plan on how you’re going to approach the course mentally and strategically. I understand this place is difficult.
Justin Thomas
