nelson1459

I've played Oakmont three times as a guest, and caddied there. If you can get on, I suggest you do. But be prepared for a long, frustrating day.

Each hole is different, and the routing is wonderful. However, most holes share a common thread - In the landing zone, the fairway is modest in width, to each side are penalizing bunkers, and then, within ten or so yards of the fairway, lies untrammeled grass two feet or more higher. Hit into that, and then (if you find your ball at all,) hack it out. The greens seem large, but the slope makes them small. Miss it, you're in a bunker or penalizing rough. Yes, they're faster than probably any green you've ever played.

As a caddie, I'd see first-time guests there extremely excited as they prepped and stood to the first tee. Then on successive holes, their confidence would slip away. And finally, as we slogged up the 18th fairway, their grins were long gone, replaced by scowls and a desire simply to get off the course.

Play it once, and unless you're an extremely proficient golfer, you'll want to decline your next invitation.