OAKMONT, Pa. — Here’s a hole-by-hole overview of Oakmont Country Club, the venue for the 125th U.S. Open from June 12-15:
No. 1, 488 yards, par 4
The opening hole at Oakmont is one of the most challenging starts in major championship golf. Flanked by bunkers on either side, the narrow fairway leads to a partially blind green that slopes away. The best strategy is to land just short of the green to utilize the slope for a better approach.
No. 2, 346 yards, par 4
This short yet challenging hole demands precision, as it features five bunkers on the right and a ditch on the left. The green is also well protected and slopes steeply from back to front, creating tricky putts. The USGA may position the tee forward for one round to encourage players to attempt reaching the green in one shot.
No. 3, 462 yards, par 4
Known for its iconic Church Pew bunkers on the left, this hole also features deep bunkers on the right. The second shot requires a short iron that climbs uphill to a green that gently slopes away. Shots that land short can roll back down the slope, while shots that go long may end up in a closely mown area beyond the green.
No. 4, 611 yards, par 5
This par 5 runs alongside the previous hole, continuing with the Church Pew bunkers on the left and additional deep bunkers on the right. Players can go for the green in two with a powerful drive, but caution is necessary when laying up to navigate the fairway bunkers for a safer approach.
No. 5, 408 yards, par 4
A tough short par 4, the fairway narrows significantly ahead, and the approach shot must navigate to a green that sits below the fairway. This hole is notorious for Dustin Johnson’s controversial incident where his ball moved on the green, resulting in a penalty assessed after his victory.
No. 6, 200 yards, par 3
The first par 3 on the course is slightly downhill, leading to a slim green that slopes toward the tee. Missing to the right is particularly punishing, as there is a deep bunker there.
No. 7, 485 yards, par 4
This hole runs parallel to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and is flanked by deep bunkers. The green slopes from back to front, and it’s crucial to stay below the hole to have a good chance at par. In 2016, this hole was the toughest par 4 green to hit.
