2016 U.S. Open: The 5 Hardest Holes at Oakmont

The US Open is often called the toughest test in golf. Jordan Spieth recently remarked that Oakmont the “toughest venue.”

So with all the talk of Oakmont’s historic prowess, we thought it’d be interesting to highlight the five most difficult holes at this historic venue. Coincidentally (or not), these were also five of the 11 toughest holes on Tour in 2007, when Oakmont last hosted the U.S. Open.

5th Hardest Hole – No. 8

Par 3 – 288 Yards

This grueling hole is the longest Par 3 in US Open history. Depending on the weather, and the yardage set by the USGA, the club selection here can vastly vary over the four days. A cross bunker, just out into the fairway about 8 feet short of the green. Any ball landing beyond that should roll onto one of the putting green. The green is probably the most generous at Oakmont and has the least amount of undulations.
2007 Stroke Average: 3.45 | Rank: 5

#USOpen Preview: Oakmont No. 8 – Par 3 | 288/252 Yardshttps://t.co/zeThrzb0TO
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) May 31, 2016

4th Hardest Hole – No. 9

Par 4 – 477 yards

At the 1994 US Open, this hole was played as a Par 5 but was changed to a Par 4 in 2007. The players will face a blind uphill tee shot which is protected by a ditch on the left and fairways bunkers on both sides. But finding the fairway is not everything on this hole. The green is enormous with severe slopes and funnels. Landing the ball in the wrong place can lead to a difficult two-putt. The back portion of the 9th green is used as the practice putting green.
2007 Stroke Average: 4.50 | Rank: 4

#USOpen Preview: Oakmont No. 9 – Par 4 | 477 Yardshttps://t.co/KRjjhGJ4vX

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 1, 2016

3rd Hardest Hole – No. 1

Par 4 – 482 Yards

The opening hole at Oakmont is probably the most demanding and unwelcoming opening hole in Championship golf. The tee shot is played to a narrow fairway which is well guarded by deep bunkers on both sides. The approach shot is downhill to a green which completely slopes away from the players. You will find a lot players landing their balls well short of the green and using the gradient to take the ball to the hole.
2007 Stroke Average: 4.52 | Rank: 3

#USOpen Preview: Oakmont, No. 1 – Par 4 | 482 Yardshttps://t.co/x2e1fvU9oC— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) May 24, 2016

2nd Hardest Hole – No. 10

Par 4 – 462 Yards

The opening hole on the back nine is quite similar to the first hole. The tee shot is downhill to a fairway that is narrow and slopes from right to left. You’ll see a lot of balls simply running out of fairways. The approach shot is also quite similar to the first and you’ll find quite a few players landing their balls short of the green. The green is one of the most difficult at Oakmont and slopes severely from front right to back left.
2007 Stroke Average: 4.53 | Rank: 2

#USOpen Preview: Oakmont
No. 10 – Par 4 | 462/440 Yardshttps://t.co/90ATpImasn
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 2, 2016

The Hardest Hole – No. 18

Par 4 – 484 Yards

The finishing holes is one of the most challenging finishing holes in Championship Golf. With ditches and bunkers situated on both sides of the fairway, it’s narrower than what players see from the Tee. The approach shot is blind to an elevated green. Although the green is fairly large, in 2007 only 33% of the players hit it.
2007 Stroke Average: 4.60 Rank: 1

#USOpen Preview: Oakmont
No. 18 – Par 4 | 484 Yardshttps://t.co/OZyEUPlEV8
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 10, 2016

The Numbers From The 2007 U.S. Open At Oakmont

SOURCES: USGA, GOLFSTATS