Anticipated Equipment Adjustments at the US Open... Reasons Behind These Expected Alterations
Wrecking Ball at Oakmont: Tackling the US Open's Toughest Tests
The US Open is notorious for pushing the limits of even the world's best golfers, and when it's hosted at a beast like Oakmont, the stakes are raised even higher. Here, precision, strategy, and sheer grit become the order of the day. Let's dive into the bag tweaks these champions might make to ace the US Open's unique challenges...
You'll likely find the pros' equipment nicely dialed-in already, but the US Open's vicious rough and lightning-fast greens often call for some last-minute adjustments. Buckle up, as we explore the areas of the bag a player might consider modifying:
High-Lofted Fairway Woods: The Duel vs. The Rough
Oakmont's brutal rough is no ordinary locale—it's thick, unflinching, and just itching for errant shots to take a tumble. Escaping this daunting quagmire becomes a battle worthy of Hercules himself. To stand a fighting chance, many competitors will consider arming themselves with a high-lofted fairway wood, such as a 7-wood or even a 9-wood.
Traditional long irons and even hybrids can struggle against the deep grass, often twisting the clubface and drastically reducing ball speed. A 7-wood (typically around 21 degrees of loft) or a 9-wood (around 24/25 degrees) offer a larger surface area to power through the rough, making short work of a challenge that might otherwise leave it sprawled out in defeat. Moreover, they tend to launch higher, getting the ball up and out of the thick foliage faster and with less resistance, adding to their distance advantage.
In addition, a high-lofted fairway wood could shine not just in the rough but also from the fairway. Its steeper angle of descent could be critical if the USGA decides to impose its renowned green firmness. Believe it or not, Tommy Fleetwood even refers to his 9-wood as his "240-yard pitching wedge," shedding some light on the Playing characteristics he sees from the club.
The Driving Force: Finding the Sweet Spot at the US Open
While bombs away can be a boon, accuracy is key at the US Open. Fairways are often narrow, and a drive even a smidgen offline can lead to a swift stumble, or worse. Many players recognize this danger and make adjustments to their big sticks—or even opt for mini-drivers—to increase control.
Take Rory McIlroy, for instance. At the Canadian Open, he tested a shorter 44-inch driver, hoping it would grant him more control. Although his previous driver failed the USGA driver test prior to the PGA Championship, the decision to try a shorter shaft before tackling Oakmont is intriguing.
Mini-drivers—with shaft lengths of around 43.5–44 inches and lofts between 11.5° and 13.5°—offer a nice mix of distance and control, tempting players to ditch their trusty 3-woods.
Short Game Magic: Taming the Monster Greens
A US Open equipment game plan would be incomplete without considering the short game, especially in light of the punishing greens the pros will face. To stop the ball effectively, even from awkward lies around the green, players need maximum spin and control.
This is why many pros will put brand-new wedges into play specifically for the US Open week. Fresh grooves ensure the highest possible spin rates and increased stopping power, potentially sparing them a trip to bogey territory and securing a tap-in birdie instead. A month-old groove could mean the difference between chipping in or rolling off the back of the green, and those fractions of an inch can make or break a round.
No matter how you spin it, the competitors at the US Open will leave no stone unturned in their quest to conquer Oakmont's relentless challenges.
In the unique hurdles presented by the US Open at Oakmont, a high-lofted fairway wood like a 7-wood or a 9-wood could be a crucial addition to a golfer's arsenal, offering a larger surface area to tackle the thick rough and launch higher with less resistance. On the other hand, seeking maximum control over their drives, some players might opt for shorter drivers or mini-drivers to navigate the narrow fairways more accurately.
