Pros criticizes “crazy”, “stupid” Oakmont

We are just weeks away from the 2025 U.S. Open, and the iconic but dangerous Oakmont Country Club will host the event. However, we have heard complaints about the course, from current professionals and golf legends. A concrete hole attracted Viktor Hovland and 18-time main champion Jack Nicklaus: a horrible 8th hole in the 3rd and nearly 300 yards serving this year.

Oakmont’s terrible 3-point 8-hole

The 125th U.S. Open this year will be the 10th time the competition will be held in Oakmont. This historic course has been a terrifying test at No. 8 and No. 8 in the world rankings.

Most of Oakmont’s painful professional experiences come from its weird green, inventive bunker, and a broken wrist during U.S. Open Week.

But, like all old iconic courses, Oakmont has a significantly extended response to modern equipment, which can help golfers hit the ball.

Oakmont’s eighth place has been one of the longer golf 3s, but for 2025, the U.S. Open is expected to play above 300 yards.

Hovland doesn’t like fans who have 3 shots

If you think that 300 yards start expansion can be considered a 3-shot limit, you’ll be in good shape.

Viktor Hovland was asked about Oakmont’s eighth place at a press conference on Tuesday.

Although Hovland has never been to Oakmont, he played a lot of long threes on his five-year tour. When a reporter told him 300 yards, he had general criticism of 3 shots.

“Yes, I mean, it gets hard. I just think it doesn’t get that good when you have to have that long hole,” Hofland explained. “Okay, okay, you get a certain target here, and then you can hit a shot, make a par and get out of there, instead of a shorter par-3 can lure you to get close to it, but if you’re a little off the water, you’re either in the water, or on a short side, or, if you’re released, yes, you’re still having a hard time.”

He went on to argue that he believed the top par for golf 3s were relatively short.

“I just think all the best 3s are under 200,” Hofland said Tuesday. “You may only have over 200, but once you start putting the head cover on the 3-face tower, I just think it will get a little stupid.”

Nicklaus aims at Oakmont

Memorial Championship host Jack Nicklaus also sat down with reporters for Tuesday’s annual press conference. Nicklaus smiled for the first time when a reporter asked about Oakmont’s long eighth place.

“I haven’t played it since they extended it to a short time,” Nicklaus said with a smile. “I don’t know how long it was. It’s about 275 yards or something.”

When a reporter revealed that No. 8 will actually hit 299 yards this year, Nicklaus drove back: “That’s crazy. But that’s their job. But that’s downhill.”

Nicklaus went on to reveal that he thought it would be difficult to make a long 3-shot, which is also a quality design.

“I think it’s hard to make a good, long 3-pole. I think it’s very difficult to have a hole in the wood you’re standing and hitting it.”

When asked if golf “needs” for a long three, Nicklaus objected and then explained his philosophy of designing the course.

“I don’t know. There’s nothing on my golf course. But do you need them? Probably not. I can’t answer your questions because I don’t like them. What’s going on?” Nicklaus said. “I always like it – I always like to participate – On a golf course, I like to have 3 strokes in the range of 220 to 235. I like to have two of the two’ems in the range of 190 to 210.

It is important to note that Nicklaus has serious experience playing Oakmont. He won his first major at the 1962 U.S. Open.

Hovland and other pros will welcome the new extended 8th hole for the first time at Oakmont when the 2025 U.S. Open kicks off Thursday, June 12.

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