This week’s US Open will be held at Oakmont Country Club – one of the most difficult golf courses in the world.
The field can expect five-inch-thick rough and rapid putting surfaces that have been described as ‘sloped basketball courts’, with the champion predicted to come in over par.
Accuracy off the tee and the ability to effectively recover from mistakes will be key in a Major tournament where damage limitation will be of paramount importance.
This will be the 10th US Open at Oakmont Country Club, with the third Major of the season traditionally being the most difficult on the calendar.
Let’s take a look at the 7 US Open Champions with the lowest winning scores at Oakmont Country Club…
7. Ángel Cabrera – 2007 (+5)
Oakmont showed its teeth big style in 2007, where Ángel Cabrera’s gritty 285 was enough to win by a single stroke over Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk. The Argentine shot weekend rounds of 76 and 69 to claim his first Major in brutal conditions.
His fearless approach paid off as he became the first South American to win the US Open on a course that punished even slight mistakes; his ability to take bold lines and recover from stray strokes proved decisive.
6. Jack Nicklaus – 1962 (−1)
Nicklaus’s first professional victory came at Oakmont, defeating in a playoff and launching a famous rivalry with Arnold Palmer. His one-under-par 283 was incredibly impressive for a 22-year-old who had just turned pro.
Jack’s clutch putting on Oakmont’s greens that are uniquely fast gave him the edge as he outdueled Palmer in front of a largely Pro-Arnie crowd. It was the first of his record-breaking 18 Major titles.
=4. Larry Nelson – 1983 (−4)
Larry Nelson’s steady 280 held off Tom Watson in a dramatic finish, and despite the course’s difficulty, Nelson played the final 36 holes 65 and 67 – arguably one of the best weekends in US Open history.
His final-round performance was a masterclass in precision as he outplayed the course in Pennsylvania.
=4. Dustin Johnson – 2016 (−4)
After years of near misses, Dustin Johnson finally broke through with a win in a Major tournament. His 276 at Oakmont tied the best score to par ever posted at the Country Club.
Despite a controversial penalty ruling mid-round, Johnson stayed composed with his monstrous ball-striking accuracy on a course where mistakes are brutally punished. He closed his round in style with a birdie on 18 to seal victory.
=1. Johnny Miller – 1973 (−5)
Miller’s Sunday 63 remains iconic. Starting six back, he hit every green in regulation and finished at 279 to shock the field at Oakmont.
The round was clinical, and Miller, using a rented putter, fired in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest finishing rounds in Major history.
=1. Ernie Els – 1994 (−5)
Ernie Els outlasted Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie on the second sudden-death hole of the playoff after all three had finished at five-under-par.
At just 24, Els showed remarkable poise with his blend of length and touch, helping him win the first of his two US Opens. He also became the first South African champion since Gary Player.
=1. Ben Hogan – 1953 (−5)
In his legendary Triple-Crown season as he won the US, Canadian and Open Championship, Hogan conquered the challenge at Oakmont with a clinical 283 at five-under-par.
It was his fourth US Open win, and he did it with signature control and ball-striking brilliance. Hogan’s victory cemented his status in golfing folklore.
7 Lowest US Open winning scores at Oakmont Country Club…
7. Ángel Cabrera – 2007 (+5)
6. Jack Nicklaus – 1962 (−1)
=4. Larry Nelson – 1983 (−4)
=4. Dustin Johnson – 2016 (−4)
=1. Johnny Miller – 1973 (−5)
=1. Ernie Els – 1994 (−5)
=1. Ben Hogan – 1953 (−5)
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