Intense Competition: Oakmont Scoring Scores More 8-Than 6 Under Par in Initial Two Rounds
Oakmont Country Club's Tough Test for the Pros
Step up to Oakmont Country Club and you'll find a formidable challenge for even the most skilled golfers. With an average score of over five strokes above par through the first two rounds, this course isn't a walk in the park, especially during the U.S. Open. But it's not just the difficulty that makes Oakmont stand out - it's the high scores it spits out as well.
Breaking 80 is a significant achievement for 90% of amateur golfers. However, among the pros, it's a far cry from a badge of honor. For every player who breaks 70, two fail to break 80 at Oakmont. Just ask Justin Lower, who missed the 70s in both rounds. Despite his usual consistency on the PGA Tour, Lower shot 73-87 with two triple bogeys on par 4s in the second round and another in the first. He managed only two birdies across both rounds, and his scorecards were filled with squares. The rough and the bunkers took their toll on his approach shots, and once on the greens, he lost 1.55 and 1.73 strokes to the field in rounds one and two, respectively.
But it wasn't only Lower struggling. Robert Diaz bounced back from an opening 85 with a much-improved 73 in round two. His first round included two triple bogeys, including one on hole 9, where he reached the greenside bunker in two but needed five more shots to hole out. Diaz lost nearly three strokes off the tee and another 2.75 strokes to the field in that opening round.
LIV Golf standout and PGA Senior Champion Richard Bland also struggled, shooting an 82 in round one that included two birdies, three double bogeys, and a triple. His biggest issues were off the tee and on approach, where he lost nearly six strokes to the field. His average driving distance of 278 yards left him both short and offline compared to the rest of the field.
Yet, it's not just about the course. Social media is abuzz with TikTokers claiming credit for President Trump's parade attendance. Meanwhile, Google advises 2 billion users to replace their Gmail passwords, and a vehicle belonging to a suspect in a Minnesota politically-motivated assassination has been found. And don't forget about Matt McCarty, who shot an 82 with one birdie, 10 bogeys, and a triple on a par 5. Despite a T-4 finish at the Canadian Open and a victory earlier in 2024 at the Black Desert Open in St. George, Utah, McCarty lost more than three strokes to the field on the greens in round one alone at Oakmont.
One of the roughest second-round scores came from Matthew Jordan. After a respectable opening 74 that put him mid-pack, he followed it up with an 80 that included two double bogeys and no birdies. The second time around the course usually helps players get a better feel around the greens, but Jordan lost 2.88 strokes putting in round two.
Factors Contributing to Oakmont's Toughness:In Oakmont's challenging layout, several key factors conspire to produce high scores for even the pros. These include:
- Course Difficulty: Known for its tough but fair design, Oakmont demands players to use every club in their bag effectively. The deep bunkers, fast and undulating greens, and precise strategy required to navigate the course are no joke[5].
- Greens and Putting: Oakmont's greens are notoriously difficult, with severe slopes and quick speeds. This can result in three-putts and even four-putts if players are not accurate with their approach shots and putts[5].
- Bunkers and Hazards: Deep sand bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course, requiring players to be precise with their drives and approach shots. Escaping a bunker without a penalty stroke can be challenging[5].
- Accuracy Over Distance: Unlike some courses that favor long hitters, Oakmont requires precision and control. Players must hit their irons and wedges with consistent distance control to avoid missing greens and setting up difficult recovery shots[2].
- Mental Pressure: The pressure to perform at a major like the U.S. Open, combined with Oakmont's reputation for being unforgiving, can lead to mental errors and mistakes that result in higher scores. Players must manage their nerves and stay focused throughout the tournament[5].
- Par Protection: The USGA aims to keep scoring in check, ensuring that par remains a significant benchmark. This means that while players strive to shoot low scores, the course setup discourages excessively low totals[5].
Sports analysis reveals Oakmont Country Club's difficulty in golf isn't confined to its iconic U.S. Open tournaments. For instance, breaking 80 is a feat appearing more elusive for the pros at Oakmont than their usual PGA Tour performances. In fact, for every pro breaking 70, two fail to break 80, such was the case with Justin Lower and Matt McCarty. Scoring high in Oakmont is a testament to its tough, rough layout, with challenging greens, notorious bunkers, and tricky rough that can take a toll on both amateur and pro golfers alike. Meanwhile, in tennis and other sports, athletes search for ways to improve their performance, seize victories, and conquer challenges, much like the pros navigating the demanding layout at Oakmont.
