This week’s U.S. Open will be held at Oakmont Country Club, one of the most difficult golf courses in the world.
The field can expect a five-inch thick rough and fast-opening surface that is described as a “sloping basketball court” and the champion is expected to exceed par.
Accuracy in the tee and ability to effectively recover from errors will be key in a major tournament where damage limits are crucial.
It will be the tenth U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, and traditionally the third-largest Grand Slam this season is the hardest on the calendar.
Let’s take a look at the 7 U.S. Open champions with the lowest win scores at Oakmont Country Club…
7. ángel Cabrera – 2007 (+5)
Oakmont showed off its gigantic style of teeth in 2007, with Ángel Cabrera’s Gritty 285 enough to win singles on Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk. Argentina made a weekend shot of 76 and 69, demanding his first attack under cruel conditions.
His fearless approach paid off when he became the first South American to win the U.S. Open with a minor wrong route to punish. His bold thread and ability to recover from a wandering stroke proved decisiveness.
6. Jack Nicklaus – 1962 (-1)
Nicklaus won his first professional victory in Oakmont, defeated in the playoffs and launched a famous competition with Arnold Palmer. For the 22-year-old who just became a professional player, his 283-shot single shot was impressive.
Jack’s clutch wore Oakmont’s vegetables, which were very quick as he was largely pro-Arnie’s crowd, and he surpassed Palmer. It was the first of his record-breaking 18 major champions.
= 4. Larry Nelson – 1983 (-4)
Larry Nelson’s stable 280 continued with Tom Watson, and despite the difficult track, Nelson’s last 36 holes 65 and 67 holes (67) were arguably one of the best weekends in public history in the U.S.
His final round performance was a precise masterclass when he beat the game in Pennsylvania.
= 4. Dustin Johnson – 2016 (-4)
After years of recent turnovers, Dustin Johnson finally won the big tournament. His 276th place in Oakmont tied for the best score ever posted at the country club.
Despite the controversial fine ruling in the midfield, Johnson maintained huge ball hit accuracy in a lesson that was punished by mistake. He beat his season with the 18-year-old birdie to win.
= 1. Johnny Miller – 1973 (-5)
Miller’s Sunday 63 remains iconic. Starting with six balls, he hit every green in the statute and ended in Oakmont with a 279 mark.
This round is clinical, with Miller using rented putts, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishes in major history.
= 1. Ernie Els – 1994 (-5)
Ernie Els beat Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie on the second sudden death hole in the playoffs.
Els showed extraordinary calm at the age of 24 with his length and touch blending, helping him win the first opening of both Americas. He also became the first South African champion since Gary’s player.
= 1. Ben Hogan – 1953 (-5)
Hogan conquered Oakmont’s challenge in a legendary triple-tit season that won the U.S., Canada and Open championships with a clinical 283 283.
It was his fourth open victory, and he did it with his signature control and the glory of the batting. Hogan’s victory cemented his position in golf folklore.
Oakmont Country Club’s lowest open win score in the United States…
7. ángel Cabrera – 2007 (+5)
6. Jack Nicklaus – 1962 (-1)
= 4. Larry Nelson – 1983 (-4)
= 4. Dustin Johnson – 2016 (-4)
= 1. Johnny Miller – 1973 (-5)
= 1. Ernie Els – 1994 (-5)
= 1. Ben Hogan – 1953 (-5)
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