Insights about Oakmont Country Club, Host of the 2025 US Open Golf Championship:
Hear ye, hear ye! The legendary Oakmont Country Club, nestled near Pittsburgh, PA, is once again gearing up to host the US Open in 2025 – a record-breaking 10th time since it first opened its gates in 1927. Known for turning pros into trembling wimps and amateurs into local legends, this iconic golf course leaves no souls untouched.
Design by Henry Fownes, a steel baron looking for a challenging yet enjoyable links-style layout, Oakmont sprung forth like a golfing titan from an old Pennsylvania farm. Work started in 1903 and, with a team of 150 men and 20 mule teams, transformed the land into one of the United States' most famous golf courses in just a year.
One thing that sets Oakmont apart is its monstrous, wavy, and lightning-quick greens. Sam Snead once swore that he tried to mark his ball on one of Oakmont's greens, but the coin slid off. Its intimidating difficulty has earned several over-par winners at the US Open, but occasionally, low scores do happen – such as Johnny Miller's course-record 63 (-8) in 1973 on his way to victory.
Let's dive into a few lesser-known facts about this legendary course:
National Historic Landmark
Oakmont Country Club adorns the list of proud National Historic Landmarks, less than 3% of all buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. The "statement of significance" reads, "Noted for its nationally significant golf course, this is the oldest top-ranked course in the United States. Its original layout is virtually intact and still in use for club and tournament play."
Atlantic Division Barrier
The Pennsylvania Turnpike bravely separates seven holes (2-8) at Oakmont from the rest of the course. Players, caddies, and fans need to cross a bridge to reach the other side. All but the eighth green were originally on Oakmont, but the road was built right through the heart of the course in the late 1940s, necessitating a relocation.
Brutal Course Rating
When it comes to brutal golf courses across the United States of A, Oakmont might not take the cake, but it's not far behind. With a Course Rating of 77.5 and a Slope Rating of 150 out of 155, there are fewer than 20 other layouts deemed tougher. The front nine is even more daunting, boasting a 153 Slope Rating, while the back offers a slightly friendlier 147.
Newspaper Column-Inspired Makeover
Henry Fownes built one golf course, and it was a hell of a good one. In the 1960s, a newspaper columnist declared Oakmont to be an eyesore. To respond to this criticism, the board planted hundreds of trees across the site to cover up the supposed barrenness. As the trees grew large, they sucked up too much water, blocked sunlight, and made maintenance too difficult. In the early 1990s, the board landscaped the venue to restore it to its original glory, removing 99% of the trees.
Famous Arnold Palmer Quote
Arnold Palmer, a Pittsburgh native and golf legend, once summed up Oakmont's greens perfectly when he said, "You can hit 72 greens in the Open at Oakmont and not come close to winning." Unfortunately for Arnie, he never managed to win a pro event or even the US Open at Oakmont, despite his best efforts. His magic touch came in 1960 at Cherry Hills, where he claimed victory over Jack Nicklaus, who was an amateur at the time.
Sports enthusiasts and golf lovers alike will appreciate the fascinating history of Oakmont Country Club, a National Historic Landmark and one of the United States' most renowned golf courses. This legendary sports venue, home to a challenging links-style layout designed by Henry Fownes, is not only a hotspot for golfing but also a popular destination for sports-betting enthusiasts seeking the thrill of over-par winners at the US Open. Furthermore, golf fans can delve into detailed sports-analysis about Oakmont's monstrous and intimidating greens, which have a legendary reputation for their waviness and incredible speed – a factor that has earned Oakmont the title of one of the toughest golf courses in the United States for its Course Rating and Slope Rating.
