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Is there any doubt Oakmont is the hardest course in the world?
Joel_Stewart:
I just returned from Oakmont and I’m still traumatized.
Didn’t lose a ball. Hit a lot of good shots and chipped in on #4 for a birdie. Made a few pars and still would have shot 100 if all the shots were counted. It’s absolutely relentless and the Pittsburgh heat and humidity don’t help. Miss the narrow fairways and you’re probably in one of the 185 bunkers.
I texted some friends at Olympic saying it’s 10 shots harder then Olympic and 5 shots harder than Shinnecock.
I’ve been known to have a temper but at Oakmont you can’t get mad because it’s just insanity. The greens were 13-14. If you miss a 5 foot putt you probably have a 10 footer coming back. If you’re putting downhill then your next shot may be a chip.
The club is buzzing about what Gil’s restoration will do. He’s saying it will make it more difficult for the pros but more playable for the members.
If you haven’t played it don’t comment.
Erik J. Barzeski:
--- Quote from: Joel_Stewart on June 26, 2022, 08:43:39 PM ---I just returned from Oakmont and I’m still traumatized.
--- End quote ---
I haven't played every "tough" course in the world, or even probably more than four or five that might be in the running, but… I don't know that I've found any more difficult.
Edit to add: I love a good grind, too. Oakmont may be my favorite course.
Steve Lang:
8) I find it difficult to believe that a restoration making it more playable for the members will not rub off on how the pros will play it... good luck Dr Gill!
Erik J. Barzeski:
--- Quote from: Steve Lang on June 26, 2022, 10:00:08 PM --- 8) I find it difficult to believe that a restoration making it more playable for the members will not rub off on how the pros will play it... good luck Dr Gill!
--- End quote ---
Rough (instead of bunkers) often make a course easier for members yet tougher for PGA Tour players.
Also, width can make things easier for members… because firm greens are tough for PGA Tour players when the ball starts rolling. Many ams are used to the ball rolling a bit, so the wider fairways just let them hit them more often. (I won't die on that hill, though, as the Tour players will hit more fairways, too, and the rough even at a normal PGA Tour stop is a 60-yard penalty. So I may have talked myself out of that one.) Pros will play different TEES of course. So they can be given different angles, landing areas, etc.
Jonathan Cummings:
Kiawah and Shinny in windy conditions are as tough. Even the TPC Potomac - beast of the Beltway - in non windy conditions may be as tough day in day out to score on.
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