OAKMONT, PA. Those playing in this year’s US Open will have to negotiate their way around one of America’s most demanding courses. The demands for high level execution start immediately and continue through to the very end. However, there are four holes of particular note where the championship may be significantly impacted.
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1st Hole -- 482 Yards, Par-4
Opening holes are always filled with nervous energy. As the championship proceeds the demands escalate -- especially for players in and around the leaderboard.
The 1st is bracketed by bunkers on both sides of the fairway before plunging downhill to a blind green that runs quickly away from the player. Being longer rather than shorter on the approach is something most players will need to do.
A tough opener that can knock the wind from players looking to get a round started in fine fashion. Aaron Baddeley was the final round leader by two strokes in ‘07 -- after fumbling the 1st hole with a triple-bogey -- Baddeley quickly faded from view and finished with a 80. On the flip side -- the 1st was the springboard for Johnny Miller in 1973 as he birdied not only the 1st but the next three holes in succession and jumped into a contending role that would have him ultimately win the championship.
