A tough course, made even tougher. Like iron to steel. This would be a poetic description of this week’s US Open venue, Oakmont Country Club in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Built in 1903 by industrialist Henry Fownes, Oakmont’s “inland links” design has stood the test of time and remains one of the most difficult courses in the US and the world.
After selling his steel business to Andrew Carnegie in 1898, Henry Fownes used his newfound fortune to build a golf course inspired by the ones he played in Scotland. With two sons being accomplished golfers, they wanted their course to be a stern test of skill. What came about from the combination of steel money and golf-crazed sons was a course unlike any other.
The US Opens have a reputation for being the toughest among the majors. Year after year, the US Open puts every part of a golfer’s game to the test. With thick rough, tight fairways, closely mown areas surrounding the greens, deep bunkers, and slick greens, the USGA’s annual test usually ends in high scores with only a select few breaking par. This year is no different and Oakmont promises to be the complete test for professionals privileged enough to qualify.
Fairways and (Huge) greens
In any tournament, hitting (and holding) fairways is a prerequisite. At US Open venues, where the fairways are tighter, the rough is thicker, and the greens are lightning-fast, hitting approach shots from the fairway is an absolute must.
Trajectory and spin play a crucial role in holding sloping, lightning-fast greens. In last year’s US Open at Pinehurst, shots that seemed perfect routinely found their way into awkward, penal spots.
At Oakmont, hitting the fairway is only a portion of the battle. Even an approach from the dead center of the fairway demands precision if you want a shot at scoring. Oakmont’s massive greens are treacherous, often sloping toward danger. Only the perfect combination of shape, spin, and trajectory will do.
Putting on glass
Green speeds should be near diabolical in Oakmont. They pride themselves in having some of, if not the quickest greens there is. Putting fast greens successfully requires touch, the right read, and most importantly, the right place to putt from. Strategy and execution will surely be on display this week.
Top picks
So with everything Oakmont throws at the players, who do I like to come out on top?
Scottie Scheffler tops my list. He has been on a tear the past few weeks and there are no signs of slowing down. He hits it long enough, with that predictable fade. Fade is good and long is good too. Scottie doesn’t get too flustered, and patience will be in high demand this week.
Jon Rahm is another top player who patently hits it left to right and is prodigiously long. If his driver behaves and his putter and short game is as good as they can be, Rahm should contend.
Collin Morikawa is more known for his accurate iron play. That should be useful around Oakmont. His two major wins have already proven he can handle the heat on the toughest courses. He’s also been in the mix at some big events, but the win has been just out of reach. This week might be his time.
I doubt bombers like Rory and Bryson would do well. The rough is just too thick to hit and hope. Dustin Johnson won the last time Oakmont hosted a US Open though and while he is long, he also plays exclusively fades.
With Oakmont being hailed as “the toughest course in the world” by early birds who went to practice early, we should be seeing a very exciting US Open this weekend.