Harper Lin
Oakmont Country Club in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is home to one of the most challenging golf courses in the United States. With its historic clubhouse, the course straddles the Allegheny River Valley and has virtually no water hazards or trees. Oakmont has been consistently ranked as one of the top five golf courses in America by Golf Digest and has hosted the U.S. Open a record ten times, most recently in 2025. Here is a guide to golfing at Oakmont, a course that will test even the most experienced golfer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Year Established | 1903 |
| Ranking | Ranked as one of the five best golf courses by Golf Digest 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America |
| US Open Host | Hosted the U.S. Open 10 times, most recently in 2025 |
| PGA Championships | Hosted three PGA Championships |
| U.S. Amateurs | Hosted six U.S. Amateurs |
| U.S. Women's Opens | Hosted two U.S. Women's Opens |
| NCAA Men's Championships | Hosted three NCAA men's championships (1916, 1930, 1937) |
| Course Rating | USGA course rating of 77.5 |
| Number of Bunkers | 168 |
| Water Hazards | Virtually none |
| Trees | Almost none since 2007 |
| Yardage | 6,981 yards (6,383 m) in 1935; 6,916 yards (6,324 m) in 1953; 6,929 yards (6,336 m) in 1927 |
| Cell Phone Usage | Discouraged on the course; must be on vibrate mode; designated cell phone areas available at the club |
| Penalties | Striking a ball over the range fence will result in severe penalties |
| Course Designer | Henry Fownes |
| Notable Holes | 9th hole with one of the most iconic green complexes; downhill par 4 with a narrow fairway |
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What You'll Learn
- Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania: one of the best golf courses in the US
- The course: what to expect and how to prepare
- History of the club: from old farmland to a National Historic Landmark
- Famous wins: from Sam Parks Jr. to Dustin Johnson
- Rules and etiquette: no phones, stick to time limits, and don't hit balls over the fence
Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania: one of the best golf courses in the US
Oakmont Country Club in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is one of the top-ranked golf courses in the United States. Established in 1903, it is the only design by Henry Fownes, who intended to challenge the best golfers in the world. Fownes spent a year building Oakmont on old farmland, ideal for a links-style course. The course straddles the Allegheny River Valley and has virtually no water hazards and, since 2007, almost no trees. With a USGA course rating of 77.5 and 168 bunkers, it is considered one of the most difficult courses in the country.
Oakmont has consistently been ranked as one of the five best golf courses by Golf Digest in its 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America. In 2007, the magazine ranked it fifth overall. GolfLink.com ranks it third overall. The course has hosted the U.S. Open a record ten times, most recently in 2025, which is three times more than any other club. It has also hosted three PGA Championships, six U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women's Opens, and three NCAA men's championships.
Oakmont is known for its demanding holes, such as the downhill par 4 with one of the narrowest fairways on the course and a green that slopes severely from right to left and front to back. The final par 5 requires three well-executed shots with bunkers and ditches along both sides. The course also has a blind tee shot and an infamous ditch on the left, with bunkers lining the right, making it one of the most challenging opening holes in golf.
Golfers at Oakmont are expected to follow certain rules and guidelines. The use of cell phones is discouraged on the course, and if one must be carried, it should be set to vibrate. Golfers are also advised to be mindful of the range fence bordering the 10th fairway and avoid hitting balls over it, as it will result in severe penalties. The golf committee has established four hours as the reasonable amount of time for a group to play 18 holes, and golfers are encouraged to keep up with the group in front of them.
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The course: what to expect and how to prepare
Oakmont Country Club in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is one of the most challenging golf courses in the United States. Established in 1903, it is the oldest top-ranked golf course in the country and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The course has hosted the U.S. Open a record ten times, most recently in 2025, as well as three PGA Championships, six U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women's Opens, and three NCAA men's championships. With a USGA course rating of 77.5 and 168 bunkers, it is not for the faint-hearted.
The course was designed by Henry Fownes, with the intention of challenging the best golfers in the world. It was built on old farmland, straddling the Allegheny River Valley, and has virtually no water hazards and, since 2007, almost no trees. The first hole is considered one of the most challenging opening holes in golf, with a par 4 that demands a precise tee shot followed by a mid-iron approach into a green that slopes away from the player. The 9th hole is also particularly demanding, with a blind tee shot, an infamous ditch on the left, and bunkers lining the right. This downhill par 4 has one of the narrowest fairways on the course, requiring both precision and distance control.
To prepare for a round at Oakmont, it is important to be aware of the course's difficulty and the potential penalties that may be incurred. Signs are posted at the driving range with yardages to the fence, and golfers are required to shorten their club selection if they can exceed the posted distances. It is also recommended that golfers stay up with the group in front of them and refrain from using cell phones on the course, except on vibrate mode in designated areas.
When it comes to your golf game, precision and distance control are key. Practicing your tee shots and mid-iron approaches will be crucial to success on this demanding course. The greens are also known for being particularly challenging, so work on your putting and expect some tricky slopes. Overall, Oakmont is a course that requires strategic play and a good understanding of course management. It is not a course for the faint-hearted, but for those who embrace the challenge, it offers a unique and memorable golfing experience.
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History of the club: from old farmland to a National Historic Landmark
Oakmont Country Club is a country club in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, United States. Established in 1903, the club predominantly lies in the borough of Plum, in the East Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh. Its golf course opened in 1903 and is regarded as the "oldest top-ranked golf course in the United States". It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
The course, the only design by Henry Fownes, was built on old farmland, ideal for a links-style course. With a crew of 150 men and under two dozen mule teams, Henry Fownes spent a year building Oakmont. The course straddles the Allegheny River Valley and uniquely has virtually no water hazards and, since 2007, almost no trees. With a USGA course rating of 77.5 and 168 bunkers, it is generally regarded in the golf community as one of the most difficult courses in the United States.
Oakmont has consistently been ranked as one of the five best golf courses in America by Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Golf Courses. In 2007, the magazine ranked it fifth overall. It is one of only a few courses ranked in the top 10 every year of the publication's history. The top 50 toughest courses rank Oakmont at number five, while GolfLink.com ranks it third overall.
Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open 10 times, more than any other course, most recently in 2025. It has also hosted three PGA Championships, six U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women's Opens, and three NCAA men's championships (1916, 1930, 1937).
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Famous wins: from Sam Parks Jr. to Dustin Johnson
Oakmont Country Club in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is home to one of the most challenging golf courses in the United States. The course has hosted the U.S. Open a record ten times, with the most recent being in 2025. Over the years, several notable golfers have emerged victorious at Oakmont, leaving their mark in the sport's history.
One of the earliest famous wins at Oakmont was by Sam Parks Jr., a local head pro and founding member of the University of Pittsburgh's golf team. In 1935, Parks won the U.S. Open at Oakmont, finishing 11 strokes over par. This victory stood out as his only top-10 major finish, and he later joined Oakmont as a member.
Ben Hogan, a renowned golfer, also tasted success at Oakmont. In 1953, Hogan secured his second consecutive major victory at the prestigious course, winning by six strokes and finishing five under par. This win was part of Hogan's remarkable run of three straight majors, showcasing his dominance in the sport.
Fast forward to 2016, and Dustin Johnson finally claimed his first major title at Oakmont. Johnson, known for his athleticism and height at 6-foot-4, had nine PGA Tour victories under his belt but had yet to secure a major championship. At Oakmont, he shot 276 (-4) and won by three strokes, marking a significant milestone in his career. Johnson's victory was celebrated by his brother/caddie, Austin, as well as his fiancée, Paulina Gretzky, and their young son, Tatum.
These famous wins at Oakmont, from Sam Parks Jr. to Dustin Johnson, highlight the course's role in shaping golf's legacy. The challenging nature of Oakmont's greens and its reputation for separating the best from the rest have contributed to the rich history of the sport.
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Rules and etiquette: no phones, stick to time limits, and don't hit balls over the fence
Golfing at Oakmont requires adherence to strict rules and etiquette. One of the most important rules is maintaining a swift pace of play, with a time limit of around 2 hours for an 18-hole course. Each hole should ideally be completed within 10 to 13 minutes. This means golfers should avoid wasting time between shots and proceed directly to their ball, ready to play. Practicing between holes is not permitted.
To ensure a smooth and timely game, golfers are advised to stick to specific guidelines. This includes eliminating honours and instituting continuous play, as well as refraining from over-coaching caddies. Groups of golfers may be combined at the starter's discretion to maintain a steady pace.
Another critical aspect of golfing etiquette at Oakmont is respecting the boundaries of the course. Hitting balls over fences or out of bounds is strictly prohibited, and golfers are held responsible and liable for any injuries or property damage caused by stray balls. White stakes, fence lines, and white lines on the ground typically indicate out-of-bounds areas.
Golfers are also expected to be mindful of their surroundings and maintain awareness of others near them on the course. This includes being cautious when riding in golf carts and adhering to safety notices, as golf carts, clubs, and balls can cause serious injuries.
Additionally, the use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, headphones, and cameras, is generally prohibited during play. However, exceptions are made for emergencies, allowing the use of cell phones to call for medical assistance.
By following these rules and displaying courteous behaviour, golfers can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at Oakmont.
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Frequently asked questions
Oakmont is considered one of the most challenging golf courses in the world. It has been consistently ranked as one of the top five best courses by Golf Digest and has earned a reputation for testing a player's ability to putt.
Oakmont Country Club is located in Plum and Oakmont, Pennsylvania, United States. It was established in 1903 and is regarded as the oldest top-ranked golf course in the country.
Yes, there are a few important rules to keep in mind when golfing at Oakmont:
- Do not hit balls over the range fence bordering the 10th fairway, as this will result in severe penalties.
- Shorten your club selection if you can exceed the posted distances at the driving range.
- Stay with the group in front of you and try to maintain a pace of 4 hours for a group to play 18 holes.
- Avoid using cell phones on the course. If you must have one with you, set it to vibrate and only use it in designated areas.
