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Examine the extravagant lawnmower preparations at the US Open golf tournament

Fairway Edge Trimmers Notorious for Keeping Rough and Uneven Growth in Check

Fairway Perimeters Notoriously Left Unkempt by Event Organizers
Fairway Perimeters Notoriously Left Unkempt by Event Organizers

Examine the extravagant lawnmower preparations at the US Open golf tournament

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Having a world-class reputation for its fierce challenges, the upcoming US Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club is gearing up to deliver yet another grueling experience. With the fairways being the main battlefield, precision will be the name of the game.

Let's face it, the organizers at the US Open are infamous for their relentless, formidable rough along the fairway edges. Woe to the player who dares to land their ball in the thick grass; finding it and playing from there will be a Herculean task.

Recent footage unveiled by the US Open team showcases the epic struggle of the greenkeepers against the thick, unruly grass at Oakmont. It's a stark reminder of the obstacles players will face. Take a peek at a ball dropped from knee height almost vanishing into the dense rough – a chilling sight for any golfer!

Don't let Chris Harlan's witty words escape you: "Oakmont Country Club has a fleet of lawnmowers out today for the US Open."

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Now, let's dive deeper into what sets Oakmont's rough apart from the rest.

  • Size Matters: The rough is grown to a towering five inches, which makes it far more daunting than what most players usually face. You better be on point, because even minor mishaps could result in devastating penalties.
  • Mix and Match: The rough is a blend of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and poa annua, resulting in a tangled, dense environment that can snare your ball without warning.
  • Sudden Transition: Unlike past tournaments, the rough at Oakmont lacks a graduated setup, meaning the thickest grass lies directly off the fairways. When your shot strays off course by just a few feet, the penalty is immediate and harsh.
  • Narrow Aisles: The fairways at Oakmont are rather slender, with an average width of 28 yards. The tight quarters only serve to magnify the challenges of avoiding the rough.
  • Mowing Maintenance: Despite appearances suggesting otherwise, the grounds crew is busy mowing the rough to maintain its unmanageable nature. This ensures that the rough remains a significant obstacle for players to overcome.

In the end, the rough at Oakmont is the primary reason the course will test the mettle of even the most seasoned golfers during the US Open. Be prepared to sweat, as you tee off under the watchful eyes of the challenging rough.

  • The towering five-inch rough at Oakmont Country Club, a blend of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and poa annua, will pose a substantial challenge for golfers during the US Open, with its immediate and harsh penalties for mishits.
  • As Chris Harlan pointed out, the diverse mix of sports news such as the US Open's challenging rough and the grueling demands it places on players, should not be overlooked in sports coverage, making it a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts.

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