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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Why Oakmont is the world's scariest golf course
It had not happened to Paul Casey before and has not happened to anyone since. When the Englishman walked towards the recorder's hut in the 2007 US Open, his fellow pros on the practice green put down their putters and delivered a collective round of applause. Casey had not won – it was only the Friday – but with a 66 he had, for one day only, conquered Oakmont. 'That was a one-off, not just my score, but the reaction from the guys,' Casey told Telegraph Sport. 'Anywhere else and you shoot a good score and all you get from them is a grunt of 'Well done'. It just shows the difficulty of Oakmont. It bites and it bites hard.' Indeed, the joke in the clubhouse is that the 18 holes would be more appropriately placed in Transylvania than Pennsylvania. The members cherish its reputation as the hardest course on the major rotas – maybe too much – and love to repeat the statement of the founder's son, WC Fownes: 'Let the clumsy, the spineless and the alibi makers stand aside.' When his father, Henry Clay Fownes, designed the layout in 1903 he did so with the intent of replicating the unyielding nature of the links he encountered during his formative years in Britain. Fownes was not thinking major headaches for the multi-millionaire superstars of the next century, but only of the locals at that time and to this day they are unique in demanding their greenstaff ensure it is kept at championship severity. Another quip in the spikes bar is that the greens – described by Jack Nicklaus as 'the quickest and most daunting in the world' – are actually slowed down for US Open week. At least, the eavesdroppers assume it is a quip. Gilbert Hanse is not so sure. The renowned architect was brought in a few years ago to update the layout but was definitely not handed carte blanche. He was given one order from the club: 'It better not be easier when you're done.' Jim Furyk was born in Pittsburgh and knows the Oakmont denizens well. 'I don't know if they're gluttons for punishment, but they are very proud of their course and the fact that it's hosted more US Opens than any other,' Furyk, twice a runner-up here, said. 'I think a lot of them hold memberships at other clubs so as not to get their rear end kicked all the time.' They cannot wait to see their pride and joy taking lumps out of the game's elite. They are golfing ghouls, the type of sadists who would be minded to crowd on the bridges on the M6 just to watch the crashes, which is ironic as there is an actual motorway going through the middle of Oakmont Country Club. The course is elevated, so the drivers have no idea what they are zooming past. But if they turn off the radio and open their windows they might hear the wails coming from up above. Rory McIlroy shot an 81 in practice – ' I birdied the last two and felt I played well ' – and Scottie Scheffler has been similarly flummoxed. 'This is probably the hardest golf course that we'll play,' the world No 1 said. 'Maybe ever.' The ferocity of the challenge is written all over the scorecards. In its 98-year status as a US Open venue, 1,385 players have teed it up and only 28 have finished under par, according to the United States Golf Association. What makes it such a fearsome test? Four factors. The tightness of the fairways (at an average of 27 yards wide); the thickness of the rough (five inches tall and extra juicy); the malevolence of the bunkers (175 in number and callously deep); and the slopes and speed of the greens. The latter defines everything. The unparalleled putting surfaces – if you think Augusta's have gradients, they are but salt flats compared to these pistes – are so difficult to hold the ball on that the golfer must be playing their approach from the fairway. Nightmare fuel. 😱 #TeamTaylorMade — TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) June 10, 2025 Saying that, those errant off tee will only be chopping out from the rough anyway. And the thick stuff surrounding the greens means that you will see pitches travelling a few inches. There are hundreds of spotters, but the wise money is at least a few balls being lost in the cabbage. And there is no first cut, so this could occur a matter of feet from the fairway. With four putts an inevitability, expect fury from the participants. And if it does not rain, mutiny could be in the air. 'The fairways have strong slopes, making them extra narrow if firm, ' Paul McGinley, the former Ryder Cup captain and Sky pundit said. 'The greens are the fastest and most undulating in golf. Firm ground conditions would produce scoring carnage.' McGinley predicts a five-under winning total if the thunderstorms strike. But the forecasters say that it is 50-50. If the weather remains warm. McGinley thinks five-over could be the number as the galleries salute the first over-par major champion in seven years. That would of course raise the question, did they go too far? Well, the USGA is the arch master of the major cock-up so it would not be too great a surprise. It would be a crying shame, however, if negativity hit such a great course, with the iconic 120-yard 'Church Pews' bunker that runs between the third and fourth, and a cast-list of winners that reads like a golfing scripture. No doubt, it is fun to watch experts suffer and see them experience our own hacker nightmares, but when a track like this boasts a 301-yard par three (the eighth) then it only heightens the suspicion that the organisers and, in this case, the host club, are going out of their way to make the top flight look stupid. So much for the USGA's age-old promise that 'we are not trying to humiliate the best players in the world – we are simply trying to identify them'. . @TyrrellHatton vs. the rough at Oakmont. 😂 #USOpen — PING GOLF (@PingTour) June 10, 2025 The competitors should simply be thankful to their predecessors who threatened to boycott the 1962 US Open. The likes of Arnold Palmer demanded that they stop furrowing the bunkers with cynically shaped rakes known as ''the devil's backscratcher'. The metal instrument came with heavy tines which created two- to three-inch ridges. The pros were so infuriated that one commented: 'Those aren't bunkers, they are places to plant potatoes.' So Oakmont made a concession. But just the one. Top 10 toughest courses in golf 10. Augusta National, Georgia Masters: 1934-present Next to Muirfield and perhaps Turnberry, the home of the Masters is the best course on the majors rota. Demanding, unique and stunningly beautiful. 9. Royal Birkdale, England The Open: 1954, 1961, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1991, 1998. 2008, 2017 The best course in England is also the toughest if Mother Nature is in a links type of mood. Rolling through the dunes, the layout offers the complete challenge. If a links can be described as unfair then this is it. 8. Olympic Club, San Francisco US Open: 1955, 1966, 1987, 1998, 2012 Staged the 1955 US Open, which many believe presented the toughest post-war major challenge. The rough can be brutal, which is a problem as the fairways are tight. The slick, undulating greens only add to the torture. 7. Shinnecock Hills, New York US Open: 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018 Brilliant Long Island layout really does not need tricking up as the USGA stupidly did on the weekend of the 2004 US Open, neglecting to water the greens. If it is windy, then be prepared to be attacked from all directions. 6. Whistling Straits, Wisconsin US PGA: 2004, 2010, 2015 A merciless Pete Dye design. The brute on the shores of Lake Michigan is incredibly rugged, boasting more than 1,000 bunkers. A man-made links that is ultra challenging if Mother Nature is in one of her moods. 5. Bethpage Black, New York US Open: 2002, 2009. US PGA: 2019 This public course comes with a sign warning that ordinary members of the public would be wise not to play it. Many believe this Long Island eye-strainer is the toughest course in the United States for handicappers, with huge bunkers and small greens. It hosts this year's Ryder Cup. 4. Winged Foot, New York US Open: 1929, 1959, 1974, 1984, 2006, 2020. US PGA: 1997 When asked what the difficulty rating out of 10 he would give the New York State layout, Jack Nicklaus famously replied '11, or maybe 12'. At the 2006 US Open, it was a nightmare to get up and down from around the greens. 3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina US PGA: 2012, 2021 Host course of the infamous 1991 'War On The Shore' Ryder Cup, this Pete Dye creation in South Carolina boasts some stunning holes, especially the par-three 17th. If the wind is up it is a terrifying test. 2. Carnoustie, Scotland The Open: 1931, 1937, 1953, 1968, 1975, 1999, 2007, 2018. The beast on the Open rota. Jack Nicklaus says it is the hardest course in the world and if the elements comply then he is probably right. At the mercy of the North Sea, the weather whips in across a barren landscape. 'Carnasty', as it is known. 1. Oakmont, Pennsylvania US Open: 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016. US PGA: 1922, 1951, 1978 The jewel of Pittsburgh is a fantastic challenge which borders on the unfair if its incredibly undulating greens are too fast. It is the only course where the USGA asks the club to slow down the greens for the pros. Deep bunkers are sadistically placed.
The 42
7 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Who are the big contenders for All-Ireland ladies football glory?
THE 2025 TG4 ALL-IRELAND senior championship gets underway this afternoon. Defending champions Kerry are among those in action, with four group games down for decision across the weekend. Here, we take a look at four big contenders in the Race for the Brendan Martin Cup. Disclaimer: it is nowhere near a definitive list, with several teams unlucky not to be included. It's hard to call at this early stage. The ladies football senior championship has been wide open of late. Since the Cork/Dublin duopoly from 2005 to 2020, we have seen three different champions crowned in four seasons, while there has been a trend of teams moving up from intermediate and Division 2, and winning. It has often been unpredictable. But here's four top teams who should be there or thereabouts. ***** Kerry All eyes will be on the holders as they open their All-Ireland title defence. Kerry have been crowned Division 1 league and Munster champions already this year, and the focus now moves to The Big One. Advertisement Change in the set-up has been well documented: Mark Bourke is in the managerial hot-seat, while he has had to contend with significant player turnover. 12 players left the panel in the off season, including retiring great Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, while star defender Kayleigh Cronin has since departed for the AFLW. Her absence was keenly felt through a mixed Munster championship where Kerry were twice pushed all the way by Waterford. But their success in 2025 to date has been commendable. Forwards like Síofra O'Shea and Danielle O'Leary have been leading the charge as they now look to go back to back. The Kingdom start out against Mayo in Tralee this afternoon, with Munster rivals Cork also in their group. Dublin Dublin joint-manager Paul Casey and Sophie McIntryre celebrate Leinster glory. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO A constant among the runners and riders over the past decade or so, Dublin have won five of the last eight All-Irelands. They've contested nine of the last 11 finals. Similarly, they are under new management this year following Mick Bohan's exit. There was continuity in the capital, however, as coaches Paul Casey and Derek Murray took the reins. A fourth-placed league finish while experimenting with a new-look panel was satisfactory, while they celebrated a 12th successive Leinster senior title last month. The nature of that win in Croke Park will have been pleasing: they came from behind, and blew Meath away in the final quarter. Sinéad Goldrick's availability has been a major boost, the multiple All-Ireland winner, All-Star and AFLW ace brining huge experience and know-how. She returns to the starting team alongside captain Carla Rowe, Kate Sullivan and Niamh Crowley this weekend. A huge test awaits against Waterford in Dungarvan. Armagh Aimee Mackin's imminent return will be huge for Armagh. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO The Orchard also face a significant challenge in their opener, away to Meath in Navan. And like Dublin, coaches Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney have carried the mantle since Greg McGonigle's departure. Reaching the league final with five wins from seven was a positive start, but a 15-point hammering to Kerry as they were dethroned in Croke Park was one to forget. Armagh bounced back with their fourth Ulster title in five years after a dominant win over Donegal, and full attention is on the All-Ireland series now. Aimee Mackin is closing in on a return from her second ACL injury – named on the bench again this afternoon – and her availability would be a major fillip. Herself, her sister Blaithin, evergreen Caroline O'Hanlon and Lauren McConville are among the many big names in the Armagh ranks. They have been there or thereabouts in recent years, but haven't broken the semi-final barrier since their sole Brendan Martin Cup triumph in 2006. Kildare are the other side in an interesting group. Galway 2024 Players' Player of the Year, Galway's Nicola Ward. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO 'In-form Galway enter the All-Ireland series as one of the leading contenders for glory,' reads the LGFA's weekend preview. 'Beaten finalists last year, the Tribeswomen will feel confident of going one step further this time.' No pressure, so. Galway will hope to follow in the footsteps of Kerry, turning decider disappointment into success. Daniel Moynihan's side operated under the radar in Division 2 of the league, powering to glory with a 100% record and a convincing final win over Cork in Croke Park. That was followed up with another Connacht triumph, back to back titles secured after an impressive campaign where they swatted aside Mayo and Leitrim. Galway have long had one of the best panels in the country on paper – backboned by four in a row All-Ireland club winners Kilkerrin-Clonberne – and could certainly go all the way, if they hammer out inconsistencies. Their strength across the pitch is striking, while underage stars are breaking through. First up is the visit of Tipperary to Tuam. ***** Buckle up for a fascinating few weeks, where more runners and riders should emerge through the twists and turns. Meath and Waterford are just two sides unlucky to be listed above. Who do you think will reign supreme on Sunday, 3 August? Related Reads Defending All-Ireland champions Kerry pitted against Mayo and Cork 'That's a feeling that you want to get back. It drives a new hunger for this year' All-Ireland senior ladies football championship Saturday Group 1 Galway v Tipperary, Tuam Stadium, 2pm - Spórt TG4 YouTube. Group 2 Kerry v Mayo, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 2pm - Spórt TG4 YouTube. Group 3 Meath v Armagh, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 3pm - TG4. Sunday Group 4 Waterford v Dublin, Dungarvan, 1.30pm - TG4. ***** You can view the groups and read more here>
South China Morning Post
07-03-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
LIV Hong Kong: Casey and Crushers lead way as tournament returns to shopping-happy crowds
LIV Golf returned to Hong Kong on Friday, but it was as though the tournament had never been away, with Paul Casey again circling the top of the leaderboard and his Crushers GC team making an ominous start to the defence of their title. Advertisement With players and fans braving the unseasonable cold at Hong Kong Golf Club, where temperatures dropped to 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) at one stage, officials were happy with the size of the crowd that turned up, and expected it would improve along with the weather this weekend. And a year after shopping-happy Hongkongers stripped the shelves of the merchandise store bare, organisers would have been thrilled at the sight of people carrying bags filled with hats, shirts and anything else branded with the names of the 13 LIV teams. While there were no official figures for how many people passed through the gates, spectators 'from the Greater Bay Area and beyond' were said to have turned out to watch the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson try to conquer the course. Spectators look on as Patrick Reed putts at Hong Kong Golf Club on Friday. Photo: Elson Li As it was, Casey set the early pace, carding a seven-under-par 63 to sit one clear of a group of six players that included Torque GC's Sebastian Munoz. Crushers pipped Torque to the team title last year, and the two teams finished the first day level on 12 under, one clear of Sergio Garcia's Fireballs. Advertisement Casey certainly has an affinity for Fanling, as he does for Asia generally, but the 47-year-old said there was 'a vibe' about the course and Hong Kong that kept him coming back.
Fox Sports
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
LIV Golf Hong Kong preview: Can Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC repeat?
LIV Golf resumes its 2025 schedule this week with the third event of the season with LIV Golf Hong Kong (coverage begins Thursday at 11 p.m. ET on FS1). TOURNAMENT INFO When: March 7-9 Where: Hong Kong Golf Club (Fanling, Hong Kong) Competition: Three rounds/54 holes of stroke play Field: 54 players — 13 teams of four players each, and two wild cards Shotgun Start local time:Rd. 1, 12:15 p.m. (11:15 p.m. ET Thursday)Rd. 2, 12:15 p.m. (11:15 p.m. ET Friday) Rd. 3, 12:35 p.m. (11:35 p.m. ET Saturday) Defending champions: Abraham Ancer (individual), Crushers GC (team) -LIV Golf returns to Hong Kong Golf Club for a second consecutive season following a highly successful debut in 2024 in front of packed crowds at the historic Fanling course. -Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC, the defending LIV Golf Hong Kong team champions, are looking for their first podium finish of the season following consecutive fourth-place results in Riyadh and Adelaide. -Fireballs GC's Abraham Ancer prepped for his individual championship title defense with a tie for second in Adelaide. -Ancer won last year in a three-man playoff against Crushers GC's Paul Casey and Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith. -Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm will look to maintain his streak of top-10 finishes in every LIV Golf start that he's completed. -Rahm's Legion XIII team enters Hong Kong atop the team points standings after a win in Riyadh and second place in Adelaide. -Cleeks GC's Adrian Meronk, the winner in Riyadh, enters as the Individual points leader, with Adelaide champion Joaquin Niemann, the Torque GC captain, in third place behind Rahm. -Three next-gen LIV Golf stars are in the top 20 of the individual points standings – 23-year-old David Puig (Fireballs GC) is fourth, 22-year-old Tom McKibbin (Legion XIII) is 13th, and 20-year-old Caleb Surratt (Legion XIII) is 20th. -McKibbin and another 2025 newcomer, Fireballs GC's Luis Masaveu, have already enjoyed podium celebrations as part of the winning teams this season. HONG KONG GOLF CLUB Fanling, Hong Kong PAR 70 YARDAGE 6,711 Hong Kong Golf Club, established in 1889, has been a fixture in professional golf for more than six decades The club has hosted the Hong Kong Open since 1959 and is currently part of the 2024 Asian Tour schedule as one of the 10 International Series tournaments The Hong Kong Open is one of just three events in the history of golf to be played at the same venue for more than six decades Fireballs GC's Abraham Ancer won the inaugural LIV Golf Hong Kong in 2024 in a three-man playoff against Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith and Crushers GC's Paul Casey 4Aces GC star Patrick Reed won the 2024 LINK Hong Kong Open, shooting a third-round 59, while Majesticks GC Co-Captain Ian Poulter shot a 60 en route to winning the 2010 Hong Kong Open LIV Golf Hong Kong will utilize the same composite layout at Fanling that is used by the Hong Kong Open The dogleg left 493-yard ninth, the longest par 4 on the course, and the 410-yard par-4 18th tied as the most difficult hole during the 2024 LIV Golf Hong Kong, with each hole playing to a stroke average of 4.167. The 429-yard par-5 13th was the easiest hole on the course in 2024, playing to a stroke average of 4.389. A total of 13 eagles and 82 birdies were made on that hole. The 288-yard par-4 fourth was the second easiest par-4 on the course and is drivable under soft conditions. It played to a stroke average of 3.759 but did not yield an eagle. The field stroke average for the par-70 course in 2024 was 68.216. The 13th and 17th holes share a large double green, leading to potentially long putts. The par-4 16th is a slight downhill dogleg right – and offers players a blind tee shot. A nice high fade is usually the proper play. One of the best viewing spots for on-site spectators is the green behind the third hole, with action on the 18th green and 4th tee box also within view. 1. Legion XIII – 56.002. Fireballs GC – 40.003. Crushers GC – 24.004. Ripper GC – 20.005. RangeGoats GC – 20.006. Torque GC – 18.007. Majesticks GC – 5.168. 4Aces GC – 4.669. HyFlyers GC – 4.6610. Cleeks GC – 4.0011. Stinger GC – 1.5012. Iron Heads GC – 0.00 13. Smash GC – 0.00 This piece is courtesy of Mike McAllister in partnership with LIV Golf . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! recommended Get more from LIV Golf Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
