……Plus Our Dark Horses- Who Could Conquer the Course

The whispers have begun, escalating into a roar as the golf world turns its gaze to Western Pennsylvania. The U.S. Open is coming home to Oakmont Country Club, and if history is any guide, we’re in for a week of unparalleled challenge, drama, and pure, unadulterated golf. Oakmont isn’t just a major championship venue; it’s a living legend, a course designed to push the boundaries of human skill and mental fortitude. It doesn’t merely crown a champion; it forges one in fire.

Often described as the toughest test in golf, Oakmont’s reputation is built on its relentless greens – famously fast, severely sloped, and utterly unforgiving. Its fairways, though no longer claustrophobic with dense trees, remain notoriously narrow, demanding pinpoint accuracy off the tee. The removal of thousands of trees over the years has opened up breathtaking vistas, but it has also exposed the course to the elements and highlighted the severity of its hazards, making it arguably harder than ever. Every shot is a calculation, every miss a severe penalty. The famed “Church Pews” bunkers loom large, ready to swallow wayward shots and championship dreams alike.

The Oakmont Country Club reputation as a “beast” is well-earned, and while every hole presents its own unique challenge, a few stand out as potential tournament-makers or -breakers, particularly in the unforgiving crucible of the U.S. Open. These are some of the holes where dreams can soar or swiftly die, demanding both precision and nerves of steel.

The 1st Hole (Par 4, ~488 yards): The Relentless Opener Starting with a brutal par 4 that plays nearly 500 yards, Oakmont wastes no time in introducing its challenge. Players are immediately faced with a narrow fairway guarded by strategic bunkers left and right. The approach shot is often a mid-iron to a green that slopes away from the player, making it incredibly difficult to hold. A slight miss can send the ball careening away from the green, leaving a tricky chip or pitch. Walking off the first with a par here is often considered a victory in itself, setting the tone for the entire round. As Aaron Baddeley famously learned in 2007, a bad start here can derail a U.S. Open lead before it even truly begins.

The 3rd Hole (Par 4, ~462 yards): The Iconic “Church Pews” This hole is instantly recognizable due to the infamous “Church Pews” bunker system that runs almost the entire length of the left side of the fairway. Over 100 yards long and featuring numerous grass islands resembling church pews, it’s a hazard that can turn a tee shot into a catastrophic multi-shot recovery. Even if a player avoids the pews, deep bunkers on the right side are waiting. The approach to an elevated green requires a high, soft shot with controlled spin. This hole demands extreme accuracy off the tee, and any lapse in focus can lead to a quick double-bogey or worse.

The 8th Hole (Par 3, ~289-300 yards): The Longest of Long Known as one of the longest, if not the longest, par-3s in major championship golf, the 8th hole is a beast. Playing nearly 300 yards in previous Opens, it often requires players to hit a driver or fairway wood on a par-3. The green is relatively open, but anything left can find the massive “Sahara” bunker, which stretches for nearly 100 yards. It’s a test of pure power and accuracy, challenging players’ ability to hit a long club with major-winning precision. Just making a par here feels like a birdie.

The 10th Hole (Par 4, ~461 yards): The Unforgiving Descent Kicking off the back nine, the 10th hole is a severe downhill par 4 that demands precision right from the tee. Players face a narrow landing area that slopes from right to left, often kicking drives towards troublesome bunkers or new ditches. The approach is to one of Oakmont’s hardest greens to hit in regulation, a subtle but deceptively sloped putting surface that makes holding the green and finding the right tier an immense challenge. It’s not uncommon for players to start the back nine with a bogey here, immediately putting pressure on their momentum.

The 17th Hole (Par 4, ~312 yards): The Tempting Short Par 4 While it might seem like a “breather” at only around 312 yards, the 17th is anything but. This short par 4 is a quintessential risk-reward hole that can either offer a late-round birdie opportunity or swallow a score whole. Many players will be tempted to drive the green, especially if they need a birdie or eagle. However, the green is heavily guarded by a nest of treacherous bunkers, and anything slightly off-line can find thick rough or collection areas that make par an unlikely outcome. The mental game here is intense: play it safe for a guaranteed wedge, or go for glory and risk a catastrophic number? In a U.S. Open, this is precisely the kind of hole that can swing momentum dramatically in the final stretch.

The 18th Hole (Par 4, ~502 yards): The Ultimate Finisher Oakmont’s closing hole is one of the most demanding finishing holes in all of golf. It’s a long par 4 that demands a perfectly struck tee shot to a narrowing fairway, flanked by penal bunkers. The approach shot is uphill to a large, undulating green surrounded by more bunkers and a challenging false front. Even if a player finds the green, its subtle slopes and speed make two-putting a significant challenge under final-round pressure. As seen with Dustin Johnson’s clutch birdie in 2016 and Angel Cabrera’s steely finish in 2007, this hole can provide moments of triumph or crushing defeat, ultimately deciding who lifts the U.S. Open trophy.

While the usual suspects- your Rorys and Schefflers- will undoubtedly be at the forefront, the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is often won by players with a unique blend of grit, precision, and a touch of the unexpected. This isn’t just about power; it’s about patience, touch, and an unshakeable belief in one’s short game. The conditions at Oakmont Country Club will expose any weakness, rewarding those who can navigate its treacherous fairways and treacherous greens with surgical precision.

This year, keep an eye on some dark horses who possess the nuanced game to conquer this beast. First up, consider Shane Lowry. The Irishman, a former Open Champion, thrives in brutal conditions and possesses an exquisite short game and an uncanny ability to scramble. His grit and determination in the face of adversity could be the perfect recipe for Oakmont’s demanding test. He’s not always on everyone’s radar, but his major championship pedigree is undeniable.

Ben Griffin emerges as a compelling dark horse candidate to take the title. Griffin’s recent surge in form, including two PGA Tour wins this season (the Zurich Classic and the Charles Schwab Challenge) and a runner-up finish at the Memorial Tournament, demonstrates a player in peak condition with a hot putter and consistent ball-striking across all key metrics. His success with the Maxfli Tour X ball further strengthens his dark horse appeal. This four-piece, high-compression ball is praised for its high ball speed, high launch, and excellent spin, particularly around the greens—a critical advantage on Oakmont’s demanding putting surfaces. The Maxfli Tour X‘s penetrating ball flight and superb greenside control, as highlighted by Griffin’s ability to “rip back wedge shots,” will be invaluable in navigating Oakmont’s challenges and minimizing damage from off-line shots, making him a player to watch who could defy expectations. A great Maxfli alternative is the Tour X, is the Maxfli Tour S ball. The Tour S has a slightly lower ball flight, a tad less compression, lower spin, and a softer feel than the Tour X. The Tour S is Best for players with slightly slower swing speeds who prioritize a softer feel, lower trajectory, less long game spin, and still want good greenside control. By the way, I absolutely LOVE this golf ball!

Then there’s Corey Conners. The Canadian is arguably one of the best ball-strikers on Tour, renowned for his incredibly accurate iron play and consistent tee shots. At Oakmont, hitting fairways and greens is paramount, and Conners’ precise, controlled game is tailor-made for a course that punishes the slightest deviation. If he can get the putter rolling even slightly, his consistent approach play could set him apart from the field.

And let’s not forget Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman, a fan favorite, has consistently contended in major championships, particularly those demanding precision and creativity around the greens. His links-style golf background has instilled an adaptability and a mastery of recovery shots that will be invaluable at Oakmont. Fleetwood’s composed demeanor and exceptional iron play make him a genuine threat who could very well break through for his first major title on golf’s toughest stage.

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club promises to be an epic battle, not just against fellow competitors, but against the course itself. It’s where legends are made through perseverance, where every stroke matters, and where a dark horse just might emerge from the pack to claim golf’s toughest major. Get ready for a championship like no other!