Four bunkers stand sentinel on No. 18, a beefy 498-yard par 4, which had a key role in the '96 U.S. Open.
Most already squandered one lifetime opportunity at windblown Royal Birkdale. They can't afford to blow this mulligan out-of-bounds, too. Tiger's absence means the rough will seem an inch deeper, the greens a foot faster, the bunkers even steeper, the shirt collars even tighter, down that final stretch.
Rees Jones may think he has brought Oakland Hills into the 21st century, but I think he has returned it to its real glory days of 50 years ago. I'm not saying the winner will post Ben Hogan's score of 1951, seven-over 287. But I do think today's players will grapple with it about the way they grappled with Oakmont and Winged Foot.
I think five-over 285 will win it.
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