Latest Course Information from Oakmont
Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its challenging layout and impeccable greens, and the latest updates provide a glimpse into how the course is shaping up for Round 3. Let’s dive into the specifics that are set to impact play today.
Putting Green Speed
One of the most critical aspects of any golf course is the speed of the putting greens. Today, Oakmont’s greens are showing impressive speed, with readings ranging from the mid to upper 14s on the Stimpmeter. This is a testament to the meticulous preparation that went into today’s play. As the day progresses, the speeds are expected to settle in the low 14s, providing a test of skill and precision for the players.
The grounds crew has put in significant effort, performing a triple cut on all greens this morning. For those greens that couldn’t be cut yesterday due to a suspension of play, a fourth cut was undertaken, further enhancing their condition. Additionally, all greens have been triple rolled before the start of today’s round to maintain the targeted speeds. This attention to detail ensures that players will encounter not only fast greens but also a consistent and fair playing surface.
Tees and Fairways
In contrast to the greens, the tees and fairways at Oakmont are currently experiencing softer conditions due to recent rainfall. This morning, the ground crew opted not to mow these areas in preparation for Round 3. The course received a total of one inch of rain yesterday and overnight, which has made the fairways softer and possibly affecting playability. The decision to skip mowing ensures that the tees and fairways remain pristine, albeit with a bit more challenge for that critical first shot.
Course Yardage and Layout
For today’s round, Oakmont presents an intriguing challenge with a total yardage of 7,331. This is broken down into two segments: the Front 9 measures 3,737 yards, while the Back 9 spans 3,594 yards. Notably, the alternate tee was used on Hole 8, which measures 253 yards, providing a slightly different angle for strategic play. Players should be prepared to think creatively about how best to tackle each hole, particularly when considering yardage adjustments.
Another interesting detail is Hole 17, which stretches 312 yards "as the crow flies" from the tee markers to the hole. This gives players a unique perspective on the challenges they face, especially when weather conditions are also at play.
Rough Conditions
The rough at Oakmont has also received attention, having been topped off last night and this morning at a height of 5.25 inches. This height not only serves as a test of a golfer’s skill but also adds an additional layer of strategy, as players need to navigate these denser areas carefully. The increased rough height can easily lead to missed opportunities on the course, making every swing count.
As players gear up for Round 3, these course conditions offer both challenges and opportunities. The meticulous preparations from the Oakmont team promise a thrilling day on this storied golf course.
