Oakmont, Pennsylvania, September 10, 2025
News Summary
As the 125th U.S. Open approaches, Oakmont Country Club is back in the spotlight. Though Tiger Woods won’t be participating, he shares invaluable tips for players confronting the notoriously difficult course. Known for its lightning-fast greens and punishing rough, Oakmont demands precision and strategic play, making it a true test for any golfer. With a history of hosting U.S. Opens, the course continues to challenge elite players while setting the stage for an exciting tournament in 2025.
Oakmont, Pennsylvania — Tiger Woods Lays Out the Battle Plan for Oakmont Ahead of the 125th U.S. Open
Lightning-fast greens, brutal rough, and a course that chews up mistakes
There’s a lot of buzz as Oakmont Country Club steps into the spotlight for the 125th U.S. Open, and one big name has weighed in even though he won’t be teeing it up. A three-time U.S. Open champion offered fans a quick guide to surviving Oakmont in a short Instagram video, handing out practical pointers for a course that’s famous for punishing anything less than surgical shot-making.
The message was clear: Oakmont rewards players who can hit the ball well and punish those who can’t. The layout has always been built to separate the best from the rest, and every design choice from the tee to the green screams precision golf. Longer hitters will find they can gain a clear edge, but only if they can avoid the nastiest penalties that come from missing the right spots.
Why Oakmont still scares the field
Oakmont’s reputation isn’t accidental. Designed by H.C. Fownes to challenge elite golfers, the course has stuck to that philosophy for over a century. The club has hosted an enormous number of USGA championships — a total that puts it one behind the top spot held by another venerable club. For the 125th U.S. Open this time around, Oakmont will be marking another major milestone in its history and will go on to host a record-tying 10th U.S. Open in 2025.
The course lives up to its fearsome billing with all the trimmings: long, penal rough; lightning-fast greens; and a collection of holes that demand strategic thinking off the tee and absolute command into the dance floor of the putting surfaces. The opening hole alone has earned a reputation as one of the toughest starts in major championship golf — a tee shot that must be flighted and placed and then followed by a mid-iron approach that leaves almost no margin for error.
Key features to watch (and fear)
- Church Pews bunker: An infamous hazard sitting left on a demanding par-4, ready to gobble up a wayward drive.
- Fast, fickle greens: Breaks are subtle, speeds are severe, and recovery putts can easily run well past the hole.
- Strategic tee shots: Many holes force a choice between safety and reward — both options carry real consequences.
- Opening hole test: A brutal first bite that sets the tone and will test both nerves and ball-striking right away.
Tiger’s status and the health angle
The three-time champion won’t be part of the on-course drama. He’s been dealing with a string of surgeries and recovery steps over the last few years, most recently undergoing repair surgery on a ruptured left Achilles tendon this past March. That followed a sixth back operation last September and ongoing rehab after a serious car accident in 2021. His last competitive start was at the 2024 Open Championship, where he did not make the weekend.
Knowing he won’t play, he still shared a short roadmap for players facing Oakmont: prioritize ball striking, respect tee placement, and know where to miss when things go wrong. The course will chew up loose shots, so thinking a shot or two ahead is a must.
How Oakmont has proven itself in majors
Oakmont’s difficulty is no myth — just look at the names on the leaderboard from past championships, including the U.S. Open win that showed how grit and patient strategy can pay off. The venue’s record of hosting USGA events speaks to the club’s standing in the sport and its ability to deliver a stern examination for the world’s best.
Handicaps and a practical tool
For club players and fans trying to understand how many strokes they might need, a course handicap calculator tailored to Oakmont conditions is available for use. The typical U.S. Open setup boosts the course handicap awarded to amateurs, reflecting how much tougher the course plays with long rough and lightning greens. Golfers who know their handicap can plug in numbers and get a realistic picture of where they might gain or lose strokes compared with scratch scoring at Oakmont.
Bottom line
Oakmont is a test designed to expose flaws and reward precise ball-striking. The tips landed by a three-time U.S. Open winner are simple and stark: keep the ball in play, choose targets wisely, and be ready to handle punishing conditions. That’s the recipe to survive — and maybe even thrive — at one of American golf’s most fearsome tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Tiger Woods play the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont?
A: No, Tiger Woods will not be participating in the tournament as he continues to recover from recent surgeries and injuries.
Q: What makes Oakmont so difficult?
A: Oakmont features long rough, extremely fast greens, strategic hole designs that demand precision off the tee, and tricky bunkers like the Church Pews that make recovery shots very hard.
Q: How many times has Oakmont hosted the U.S. Open?
A: Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open multiple times and is marking its 9th time hosting that championship. It will go on to host a 10th U.S. Open in 2025, reaching a record milestone.
Q: Is there a tool to estimate how I might score at Oakmont?
A: Yes, there is a course handicap calculator available that can help golfers estimate shot advantages under U.S. Open conditions. It factors in your handicap and typical setup difficulty like rough and green speed.
Q: What should players prioritize when playing Oakmont?
A: Strong ball striking, smart tee placement, and knowing safe miss spots are the top priorities. Distance helps, but only if combined with accuracy and control.
Quick Reference Table: Oakmont at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Designer | H.C. Fownes (designed to challenge elite golfers) |
| U.S. Open Appearances | Hosting the U.S. Open for the 9th time; scheduled to host a 10th in 2025 |
| Total USGA Championships Hosted | 17 championships to date, one behind the all-time leader |
| Notable Features | Long rough, fast greens, Church Pews bunker, strategic tee shot demands |
| Play Tips | Prioritize ball-striking, choose safe lines off the tee, know where to miss |
| Player Advantage | Longer hitters can gain an edge, but accuracy is essential |
| Recent Health Note (Expert Context) | One major player offering advice is sidelined due to recent surgeries and rehab |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Walker Cup’s Future Course Map Revealed
Additional Resources
- US Open: About Oakmont Country Club
- Golf Digest: JJ Spaun’s Record Opening Nine at Oakmont
- CNN: Coverage of the U.S. Open at Oakmont
- GolfWRX: Scottie Scheffler’s Assessment of Oakmont
- New York Times: Oakmont Club Pro Insights
- Wikipedia: Oakmont Country Club
- Google Search: US Open 2025 Oakmont
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oakmont Country Club
- Google Scholar: Oakmont Country Club US Open
- Google News: Oakmont US Open 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
