US Open contenders face the possibility of expulsion due to an atypical practice green at Oakmont.
Golfer's Gotta Watch Their Step at the US Open
The Yearly Triumph of Golf's Elite kicks off this week at Oakmont, with the Big Three - Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau - leading the charge.
But these players and everyone else competing should be on high alert, as any lapse in focus during practice could result in disqualification.
This heightened risk is due to Hole 9 at Oakmont, a par-4 that spans a whopping 472 yards and boasts a unique green.
As spectators watch the US Open, they'll undoubtedly notice the massive green that sits right smack in the middle of Oakmont's legendary course in Pennsylvania.
With a sprawling 22,365 square feet, this behemoth doubles as both the ninth green and the practice putting green.
This unusual setup means that during the tournament, players will be honing their short game on the front part of the green, while others are playing the ninth hole, attempting to find the back part of the putting surface.
Given the overlapping activities, you might think chaos would ensue - after all, players could easily interfere with each other's balls and shots, right?
Well, not so fast! Strict rules are in place to prevent just that. If players don't abide by these guidelines, they'll find themselves hit with some serious consequences.
A spray-painted line across the green separates the practising area from the play area, and violating that line leads to disqualification.
But what if a player accidentally hits their ball into the practice area? No official punishment is handed out, but they'll still have to navigate the tricky terrain and putt down to the front part of the green, which will be no walk in the park.
With its mind-bending setup, Hole 9 at Oakmont ranks among the most challenging in golf, and it may play a decisive role in this week's US Open.
Looking to Clinch Another Title, Scheffler is the favourite, with DeChambeau aiming to defend his crown. But with putting expected to play a crucial role on Oakmont's tricky greens, any miscues in that department could spell the difference between victory and defeat.
And it's the champion who excels in putting who stands the best chance of taking home the trophy.
So, tune in to talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 for wall-to-wall coverage of the US Open action. You can stream the broadcast on the website, listen via the talkSPORT app, or catch it on your smart speaker and AM radio at 1089 or 1053 AM.
Further Reading
US Open's Longest Par-3 Ever: Scheffler and Co. Facing 'Crazy, Silly' Hole at Oakmont
Oakmont Hole-by-Hole Guide as Bryson DeChambeau Questions Sanity at 'Scary' US Open Venue
Source: PGA Tour, Golf Digest, and Golf Channel
Rules and Penalties for Practicing on the Shared Ninth Green at Oakmont
During the US Open at Oakmont, the ninth green serves both as the actual green for the ninth hole and as a practice putting green. This unique setup comes with specific rules and potential penalties, as listed below:
Rules
- Blue Stakes and Sign Mark the Practice Area's Boundaries. Players must not cross this line to practice on the course before their round.
- Interference with Practice Holes: If a player's ball ends up in the practice area, they can take relief if their line is blocked by a practice hole, as per USGA rule 16.1d.
- Measuring Conditions: Players are not allowed to measure surface conditions on the lower half of the green but can do so on the back half (clubhouse side).
Penalties
- First Violation: If a player makes a stroke on the course before a round, they will receive a one-shot penalty on the first hole.
- Second Violation: A second violation results in disqualification from the tournament.
Additional Considerations
- Relief from Practice Holes: If a player accidentally knocks a putt over the line, there is no penalty unless it is deemed deliberate. Players can take relief if their path is blocked by a practice hole.
- Playing the Ball as It Lies: If a player's ball lands on the clubhouse side of the green, they must play it as it lies unless they are entitled to relief due to interference.
(References: 1, 2, 3)
PLAYERSshould be vigilant during practice rounds at the US Open, as violating the spray-painted line on the shared ninth green results in disqualification. If a player inadvertently hits their ball into the practice area, they must navigate the challenging terrain to the front part of the green without receiving an official penalty.
