[Golfers' Bucket List⑥] Oakmont "Too Difficult"

'Golf Emperor' Woods Shakes His Head at Extreme Difficulty, Notorious 'Oak Monster' Armed with Rough Terrain and Fast Greens

Oakmont appears very flat but is considered the most challenging golf course in the world, with dangers lurking everywhere. Photo by Golf Digest

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Among the US Open venues known for their tough courses, this is the most difficult."

This is the evaluation from the 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA). The sixth stop on the is Oakmont Golf Club (par 71, 7,254 yards), a course even players shake their heads at. Located in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA, this 18-hole private club opened an astonishing 117 years ago in 1903. For amateur golfers, however, it is famous as a place they must play at least once before they die. It is highly praised as "the oldest and finest course in the United States."

Designed by Henry Fownes (USA) when it first opened, it was redesigned in 2006 by Tom Fazio (USA). It is a links-style course created in harmony with the natural environment. It is heavily armed with a long layout, uneven fairways, rough terrain, 210 deep bunkers, and fast greens. This is why it earned the nickname 'Oakmonster,' a blend of Oakmont and Monster. Only the best shot-makers can survive here.

Angel Cabrera is posing with the trophy immediately after winning the 2007 Oakmont US Open. Photo by Golf Digest

Known as a "hideout for masochists who enjoy pain," it means the course is extremely challenging. It has hosted countless major tournaments. The US Open has been held here a record nine times. The PGA Championship three times, and the US Women's Open twice. The 2025 US Open will also take place here. Even world-class players have struggled at Oakmont. Angel Cabrera (Argentina) actually won the 2007 US Open with a total score of 5 over par 285 across four rounds.

Set at par 70 and 7,257 yards, the average score for players at Oakmont is a staggering 5.70 over par. Johnny Miller (USA) holds the course record. On the final day of the 1973 US Open, he recorded 63 strokes with nine birdies and one bogey. In the most recent 116th US Open held in 2016, Dustin Johnson (USA) won with a total score of 4 under par 276. Particularly impressive are the sand hazards between the 3rd hole (par 4, 426 yards) and the 4th hole (par 5, 609 yards).

It is the 'church chair' bunker located between the 3rd and 4th holes at Oakmont Golf Course. Photo by Golf Digest

The world's most sinister bunker, 'The Church Pews,' lurks here. It consists of 12 rough mounds and bunker trenches resembling the long benches where churchgoers sit. It stretches nearly 100 yards in length and 40 yards in width. The 9th hole (par 4, 477 yards) is a 'disaster.' It was changed from a par 5 to a par 4 in 2007. Phil Mickelson (USA) exclaimed, "The left side is a hazard, the right side is a deep bunker, making the tee shot difficult, and the green is even more dreadful."

Oakmont is quite different from typical golf courses. There are no water hazards such as ponds, reservoirs, or streams. Every hole stretches straight from the teeing ground to the green. The course appears very flat after cutting down 14 million trees. The problem is the 'Devil's Claw' that lurks here. It is a drainage ditch spanning 10 holes. The fescue grass grows wildly. The ground is uneven and scattered with small stones. Escape is impossible.

Oakmont has 700 members. Besides rounds of golf, members can use indoor and outdoor wedding venues, small business facilities, a swimming pool, and a library. There is a dress code. Collared shirts, mock turtlenecks, and trousers must be worn. Shorts cannot be more than one inch (2.54 cm) above the knee, and jeans or denim are prohibited. Men must remove hats inside the clubhouse. Phones must be on silent, and smoking is banned throughout all facilities. Play is expected to be completed within four hours.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.