Oakmont’s Challenges Make the US Open Enormously Compelling

I know it feels like Masters was like ten days ago. It wasn’t. But you’re not too far off. This week, men’s professional golf prepares for the third major of the year, the US Open. By this time next week, three of the four majors will be in the books. In a month’s time, the next major will be the Masters!

I love the US Open. I always have. From the moment I started paying attention, the US Open has always fascinated me. I remember just being in awe of those beautiful, tree-lined historic clubs and courses in the Northeast. Winged Foot, Shinnecock Hills, Baltusrol, The Country Club, and Oakmont. Ah, Oakmont. Just outside Pittsburgh, it is universally recognized as the toughest, meanest venue in the rota. It was glorious to watch players take it on every few years.

These days are different. The Unites States Golf Association has created anchor sites - places they will bring their championships over and over again. There’s Pinehurst, Shinnecock Hills, Pebble Beach, and Oakmont. This will be Oakmont’s tenth time hosting the men’s US Open. That’s more than any other club or course. Its reputation is well deserved. I’ve had the “pleasure” of playing there on four occasions, and I love it. I love the vibe. I love the challenge, although it has, on every occasion kicked my butt. It’s the best spot in the game for a good butt-kicking.

There may be some of that coming up later this week. The rough is up. The gorse is untouched. The greens, those famous greens, will be unbelievably fast. This is going to be a true test - as our national championship should be. Early visits by some of the game’s elite gave us a bit of a clue as to what they, and we, will be in for. Take Rory McIlroy, for instance. On the shortish second hole, a par four, Rory made seven and said he hit three really good shots. Consider the plight of Adam Scott, also a major winner. On that same day, he hit every fairway on the back nine and shot thirty-eight. If it doesn’t become saturated over the next few days, this will be essential viewing.

The question, of course, is will Scottie Scheffler walk away with his second major of the year? Maybe. Maybe a little more than maybe. I’m certain he would love to win our nation’s championship. A little something to sit next to his Olympic gold medal and his Masters and PGA trophies.

Don’t count him out.

Do count, however, on this being the toughest test these players will face all year. There will be two winners this week. One winner’s life will change forever. The other will be the golf course. She’s a beautiful brute, Oakmont. She’s a treasure in the game we love. I for one, can’t wait to see it all play out.