Fans ‘anxious' to see how pro golfers ‘take in the changes' at Oakmont
The history of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is rich; in fact, Oakmont is considered by many to be one of golf's 'cathedrals.'
It's the 10th time Oakmont has hosted the major tournament, the last time being 2016 when Dustin Johnson won it all.
Advertisement
>>> EXCLUSIVE: Dustin Johnson, winner of 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont, speaks to Channel 11
For some fans, this is their first time ever seeing a golf tournament in person. For others, it's become a tradition.
Cindy Caldwell, who belongs to the Connoquenessing Country Club in Ellwood City, is here for the third time. She was here in 2016 and in 2007.
She tells Channel 11 there's always something different. She said she also gets to play here once a year, and she's really looking forward to the tournament to officially tee off.
'Well, I try to get out every nine years when it's here just to enjoy the scenery, the fans, and also the players,' Caldwell said. 'I get to play here once a year and I like to see the changes and I'm anxious to see how the professionals take in the changes. The rough is ridiculous but the fairways and greens are soft right now because of the weather, so if they firm up, it's going to be an interesting week, otherwise, it's going to be a little less challenging for them.'
Advertisement
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
US Open Makes Major Last-Minute Change to Help Golfers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The third major of the season is already here, and it's time for the toughest test in golf at the U.S. Open. Oakmont Country Club is the host for the 2025 edition of the pride and joy of the USGA, and much has been made of the difficulty of the course leading in. Even dating back months, the rough at Oakmont has been going viral for being extremely deep and difficult. As U.S. Open week kicked off on Monday, videos surfaced of the rough completely engulfing golf balls at the Pennsylvania course. However, the USGA decided to give the players some relief in the afternoon. We'll see if this army of lawn mowers makes a difference 😅 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) June 9, 2025 Jhonattan Vegas, the 36-hole leader at last month's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, sarcastically chimed in after mowers trimmed the rough just a hair. "Good news guys, they are cutting the rough but, it's still unplayable. Have fun," Vegas warned on X. Unfortunately for the players, it doesn't appear as if the lawnmowers made that much of a difference. Players were struggling to chip the ball to the green from the greenside rough all afternoon. OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Tyrrell Hatton of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09,... OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Tyrrell Hatton of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. More Photo byIt's still early in the week, and plenty can change between now and Thursday when the tournament gets going. However, if the Monday conditions are any indication, it's going to be carnage for even the best of the best all weekend long. It feels like a distinct possibility that the winning score on Sunday evening could be over par, especially if the rough remains this thick for the entirety of the tournament. Practice from the rough this week is essential 😳#USOpen — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 9, 2025 It does not help that the greens are expected to be lightning quick. Oakmont last hosted the U.S. Open back in 2016, when Dustin Johnson won the title with a score of 4-under par. If someone can hit a similar number this week, they very well would find themselves in the winner's circle. More Golf: LIV Golf: 5 Players with Best Chance at US Open from Oakmont
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Kids bask in opportunity to see favorite golfers, get autographs at U.S. Open
There is so much for fans to see at Oakmont Country Club ahead of the U.S. Open this week, from the merchandise tents, which really is set up more like a store — to a practice putting green, and then the driving range where many golfers were working on their swing. The walkway to the driving range was a popular spot for a lot of people, especially kids, to hang out and try to get autographs from their favorite golfers. Advertisement Channel 11 spoke to a few kids who were working to collect as many autographs as they could — and trying soak in all of the fun of being around the pro golfers. 'Just watching them putt and getting autographs and stuff,' Charlie Depascale, 12, said. 'I've got Andrew Novak, Evan Beck, and Doug Ghim!' said Delanie Gallaher, 12. 'It's really fun seeing all the golfers and stuff like that and it's as really cool environment! We're really excited to get out here and watch these golfers play golf!' Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Dustin Johnson, winner of 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont, speaks to Channel 11
The last time the U.S. Open was held at Oakmont Country Club was nine years ago in 2016. The man who won that tournament was Dustin Johnson. While he's been back a few times, including when he came back for his honorary membership ceremony, he said he's excited to be back to play the course where he won his first major tournament. Advertisement Channel 11's Andrew Havranek spoke exclusively with Johnson Monday after he finished up with a practice round on the course. 'It's always great to come back, obviously, it's the first time I've seen the changes on the front nine, they're subtle, but they make a little bit of difference,' Johnson said. 'I didn't think they could make the place any harder, but I think they did. But I love coming back here, it's a wonderful golf course it's a good part of the world, and obviously I have really good memories here.' 'What makes this course so difficult?' Havranek asked. 'I mean, it's just so, it's so, it penalizes you a lot if you miss,' Johnson said. 'If you drive it well, it's still very difficult even if you're on the fairway, but you at least have chance. If you're not in the fairway though it's still very penal.' Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
