US Open organisers have made an important change at Oakmont Country Club just days before the start of the season’s third major. But one golfer has claimed that the course remains “unplayable” despite the adjustment.
The US Open is shaping up to be an incredibly tough ask for the players, with several already expressing their concerns about the tough conditions and obstacles at Oakmont. Since its establishment in 1903, Oakmont has been known as one of the toughest courses worldwide. The historic Pennsylvania club has hosted the US Open more frequently than any other venue, with only four players managing to finish under par in its most recent edition in 2016. The notorious rough of the course is often cited as the reason many players struggle at Oakmont.
In his latest YouTube video titled ‘The World’s Hardest Golf Course: Oakmont Country Club’, reigning US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau revealed that the grassy areas had been allowed to grow to five inches.
“This is the hardest this golf course could ever play right now,” he admitted. It seems officials have taken note, however, with large numbers of greenskeepers seen shaving down the rough with lawnmowers.
However, Jhonattan Vegas – who finished T5 at last month’s PGA Championship – is sceptical about the trim making much difference, posting on X: “Good news guys. They are cutting the rough but it’s still unplayable. Have fun.”
Upon returning to the site of his first major title, Dustin Johnson – the 2016 US Open champion – admitted that Oakmont hasn’t gotten any easier to play at. “The course is just as hard as I remember, if not harder,” he said. “I’ve played some hard courses, but it all depends on the conditions. This one’s hard no matter what – soft, firm, windy, no wind.”
Meanwhile, Justin Thomas knows all too well about the challenges that Oakmont poses, though the 32-year-old insisted he was ready to face them head-on. “I hope it psyches a lot of players out,” he said.
“I understand this place is hard. I don’t need to read articles, or I don’t need to hear horror stories. I’ve played it. I know it’s difficult. I also have faith that if I go play well and I’m driving the ball well and I’m hitting my irons like I know I can, I’m going to have a lot of birdie opportunities.”
Xander Schauffele echoed those thoughts by saying: “Maybe I’m just sick and enjoy the challenge. Something about it playing really hard. I think a good attitude goes a long way. It’s obviously easier said than done, hard to keep a good attitude through the entire stretch of 72 holes, practice rounds as well. I don’t know. I think they’re a lot of fun.”