OAKMONT, Pa. — At this year’s U.S. Open, the Oakmont Country Club has proven itself to be one of golf’s most formidable challenges, with its notorious rough causing havoc among the world’s finest golfers. Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open winner, found himself in an unfortunate situation on the 12th hole. On his wayward drive, he anticipated relief, thinking his ball had embedded deeply into the soft ground. However, the rules official informed him that it was simply the sheer depth and thickness of the rough that engulfed the ball, leaving Woodland no choice but to replace it and attempt an escape with his wedge.
This misfortune contributed to Woodland’s back nine struggles, resulting in a 6-over 41, tarnishing an otherwise encouraging start that initially included three birdies. He finished with a 3-over 73, a testament to the challenging nature of Oakmont’s grounds, renowned for its dense, unyielding grass.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, known for his power play, expressed his frustration with the deceptive surface. “Even for a guy like me, I can’t get out of it some of the times,” he admitted after his own challenges, which led to a 73. DeChambeau’s struggles, including overshooting the 12th green and ending up in punishing rough, were a stark reminder of Oakmont’s demanding nature.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who managed an even-par 70, summed up the difficulty with these conditions: “It just feels like every shot is on a knife edge.” His observations were echoed by the sheer strategy and precision required to navigate the terrain. The meticulous maintenance of the course, with techniques to prevent the grass from laying down and creating false elevation, further complicates play. The mowers at Oakmont employ suction to ensure the grass stands upright, presenting a consistent challenge.
Golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler experienced firsthand the difficulty of extracting shots from the unforgiving rough. McIlroy struggled to find the green on his fourth hole, resulting in a score of 74, while Scheffler’s encounters with Oakmont’s unique bunkers and fringe led him to save bogey on the third hole.
Nevertheless, moments of brilliance do shine through the tribulations on the course. Patrick Reed delivered a historic albatross with a remarkable 286-yard shot that found the hole, marking only the fourth instance of such a feat in U.S. Open history. However, his subsequent missteps in the rough highlighted the fickle nature of golf at Oakmont.
J.J. Spaun, embracing the discomfort, found success in adversity, capitalizing on an early start amid dew-laden grass to open his round with a birdie. His ability to navigate the complex conditions saw him successfully achieve a 4-under 66, earning him the lead and the opportunity to observe the afternoon session’s challenges.
Spaun remarked on the unique demands of the course: “I like feeling uncomfortable.” His sentiment captures the essence of the challenge posed by Oakmont, where only the most adaptable players can hope to thrive.