What is ‘insane’ about Oakmont golf course which could be ‘too much’ at the 2025 US Open

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The US Open promises to produce another brutal four days of golf as Oakmont gets set to host the 2025 edition.

Last year, Pinehurst’s lightning-fast turtle-backed greens tested the world’s best players to the absolute limit. Unfortunately for Rory McIlroy, the slick putting surfaces proved his downfall as Bryson DeChambeau clinched his second US Open win.

Oakmont, however, could prove far more challenging. The Pennsylvania course is known for its rapid undulating greens and for being punishing off the tee; Pinehurst, at times, was actually quite generous tee-to-green.

What Smylie Kaufman has said about Oakmont’s greens ahead of 2025 US Open

Speaking about Oakmont’s greens, popular golf commentator Smylie Kaufman claimed the putting surfaces were too difficult back in 2016 when he played the US Open.

“It’s the Church Pew Bunkers on the third hole and also on the left side of four on the par-five. If the US Open every had an issue with one of its venues, Oakmont is always ready to host because it’s always US Open ready. It’s the most ridiculous hard golf course you’ll ever play,” Kaufman said.

“You got to drive it good. The greens are insane. Some are too much, in my opinion, and the ones that aren’t too much. When I make my pick for this event, I’ll side with a guy who fades the golf ball because the greens that are too ridiculous tilt this way – right to left – so obviously, that favours a guy who can curve something into that slope.”

Kaufman has backed Jon Rahm to win his second US Open title at Oakmont, with the course a ‘match made in heaven’ for the Spaniard.

• READ MORE: What Tiger Woods said immediately after missing his first ever major cut as a professional at the 2006 US Open

How fast are Oakmont’s greens?

During the 2016 US Open, Oakmont’s greens reached speeds of 14-14.5, which is on par with Augusta National during Masters week.

Oakmont’s former professional, Bob Ford, claimed the greens can reach 18 late in the year if conditions allow. Essentially, it would be like putting on a marble floor.

Before the 2016 event – which Dustin Johnson won – Rory McIlroy claimed a win at Oakmont would be a career highlight.

“It definitely would make me feel like a more complete player. I definitely feel like I’m a more disciplined and more experienced player than I was a couple years ago. I can see nothing but a benefit to that this week,” the Northern Irishman said.

“It’s a great test of golf. Every shot you hit, you’re under pressure to hit a great shot because you can’t really miss it. You have to get the ball in play. You really need to put the ball on the fairway; that’s a huge premium.

“If you get your ball on the fairway, you’ve just got to make sure you leave yourself below the hole. Even in some cases, that may mean missing the green.