The monsters of Oakmont: Three key holes

Joe Callaghan charts the key holes at the US Open.

Nick Taylor, of Canada, tees off during a practice round ahead of the U.S. Open. Pic: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

1st, Par 4, 488 yards — From the very get-go Oakmont dispenses with the faff. The most stripped-bare test in golf doesn’t need to indulge in something as fancy as giving its holes names. So, you begin on the 1st. 

And it lets you know exactly what you’re in for over the next 18. Seen by many as the toughest opening hole in golf, it lived up to that reputation the last time the US Open visited. Back in 2016, Shane Lowry was just one of three players in the top 20 who played it under par.