Oakmont, Pa. — For golf enthusiasts eager to see top players tackle a challenging course, the 125th US Open kicks off Thursday at Oakmont.
I’m already feeling the pressure.
Shane Lowry, who came in second at the 2016 US Open, seemed exhausted after a nine-hole practice on Tuesday, recalling his last visit to the course.
“I’m tired,” Lowry remarked. “I need a lot of rest.”
After recently participating in an event, Lowry intended to check out Oakmont en route to the Canadian Open last week.
However, after chatting with Rory McIlroy, who had previously struggled at Oakmont, Lowry decided to forgo the trip.
McIlroy shared he scored an 81 during his outing.
“I thought that was tough,” he said. “I managed to birdie the last two holes but didn’t think my game was that bad.”
“Talking to Rory made me feel better about his decision not to come,” Lowry added.
Gil Hanse, the renowned golf course designer, has revamped Oakmont and is preparing for this US Open. He mentioned that during breakfast on Wednesday, a directive was given to him by a member of the club.
“Make sure it’s not easier than before you started,” Hanse recounted.
This marks Oakmont’s 10th time hosting the US Open.
Dustin Johnson won in 2016 with a score of four under par, while Angel Cabrera took the title in 2007 at five over. Other champions include Ernie Els at five under in 1994, Larry Nelson, also four under in 1983, Johnny Miller at five under in 1973, and Jack Nicklaus scoring one under in 1963.
The course has experienced significant rain in recent weeks, with thunderstorms expected from Friday to Sunday. Despite the wet conditions, Hanse predicted a winning score of one or two under. If the rain holds off, he thinks achieving a score above par might also be within reach.
“I know what the tournaments here usually look like,” former US Open champion John Lahm shared. “It will be a tough challenge. A bad lie, tricky bunkers, and difficult greens make it a true test of skill.”
“It’s just a tough course. If it doesn’t rain, I believe the winning score will probably be above par, which is unusual for us, but it’s a challenge worth embracing.”
When asked if he would like to join Oakmont if he lived close by, Rahm responded.
“I’d probably say yes, just because it’s Oakmont, and who wouldn’t want to play there regularly?” He then mentioned having spoken with club members earlier in the week about their experiences.
“But when they toughen the course, I’m not sure what the average score would be. I doubt many players would break par,” he added, considering it a daunting prospect.
The rough is thick, and the fairways are narrow. The greens are challenging, too. Besides that, the par 3 eighth hole stretches to about 300 yards.
Colin Morikawa even mistook it for a short par 4 during practice earlier that week.
“Honestly, I completely forgot it was a long par 3 and joked with my caddy and the group about whether to go for it or lay up,” Morikawa reflected. “I’ll take four pars and be happy.”
This might be a sentiment shared by all 18 holes at Oakmont this week.
