U.S. Open 2025: The toughest opening hole in golf? Oakmont punches you right from the start

The old saw that “par is a good score at the U.S. Open” takes on additional meaning when it comes to playing the national championship at Oakmont Country Club. That’s because not only is Oakmont one of the most-difficult Open examinations players face, but it punches you right in the face from jump.

The last time the Open was held at Oakmont in 2016, the 488-yard, par-4 first hole ranked as the most-difficult hole on the course, playing to a stroke average of 4.451—nearly half a stroke over par. The hole produced 160 bogeys, 30 double bogeys (the most of any hole) and three “others” while yielding a mere 29 birdies.

The hole is a straightaway, downhill par 4, so what’s the problem? To start with the fairway is narrow and the rough is thick. Compounding matters are five bunkers guarding the landing area on the left side and a pair on the right with significant faces making recovery difficult.

The challenge, however, isn’t over even if the fairway is found. The green slopes away from the player, making the approach difficult to gauge. Come up short of the green and the ball can shoot off the downslope and run through the green. Carry it too far onto the putting surface and the same fate awaits, especially with the greens at U.S. Open firmness and running at a speedy 14 to 14½ on the Stimpmeter. In 2016 the first hole was the second hardest to hit in regulation, making for a rough start for many competitors.

Just how unusual can the first hole play? Consider this attempt during a practice round from Zac Blair.

For historical context, ShotLink has course stats dating back to 1991 relating to the U.S. Open and only once before, at Winged Foot in 2006, has the opening hole played as the most difficult. On average over the last 34 years, players have been relatively eased into their rounds with the average rank being 9.58 with 19 of the 34 opening holes ranking 10th or easier.

That’s not going to happen this week. Par will indeed be a good score on No. 1 at Oakmont.