As we gear up for the 125th U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club is looking sharper—and tougher—than ever.
In 2023, golf architect Gil Hanse and partner Jim Wagner led a masterful restoration to bring back the golden-era brilliance of the Fownes design (1903–1947). Here’s what changed:
🛠 Bunkers were rebuilt to reflect Fownes’ original rugged style
🌿 Greens expanded by 20%, offering more pin placements
📏 125 yards added to the layout
💧 Historic drainage ditches restored as lateral hazards
🌲 Thousands of trees removed, reviving the course’s links-style identity
🚩 Fairways reshaped for strategic play, especially on the 2nd hole
The result? A course that honors its brutal reputation, but offers new strategic options for today’s players. It’s vintage Oakmont—with modern teeth. 🦷
Who’s ready to see how the pros handle it?
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