No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1018: Previewing Oakmont
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Jun 6, 2025 Jeff Hall, the USGA's managing director of rules and open championships, shares insights into the strategic setup for this year's championship at Oakmont. He discusses new pin positions resulting from Gil Hanse's restoration efforts, emphasizing how course conditions will challenge players. The hosts reflect on their trip to the course, highlighting its notorious holes and the unique gameplay requirements. They also explore the blend of tradition and innovation in golf course design, revealing what it takes to succeed in such a demanding environment.
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Tron's Fresh Take on Oakmont
- Tron Carter purposefully avoided learning too much about Oakmont before playing to experience it fresh and unbiased.
- He found the course significantly changed with tree removal, adding scale and contouring unlike older impressions.
Oakmont Demands Complete Precision
- Oakmont requires precision in every shot with consequences for wayward shots.
- It tests all aspects of the golf game, from fairway accuracy to delicate lag putting on fast greens.
Oakmont's Balanced Rough Challenge
- Thick rough alone doesn't ensure accuracy is tested; it can reward distance if everyone misses fairways.
- Oakmont balances rough and course design to punish mistakes, demanding real skill to play well.