As one of the nation’s most historic and challenging golf venues, it’s no surprise that Oakmont continues to earn top honors. The club’s reputation as one of the most prestigious courses in the world is bolstered by its long-standing relationship with the United States Golf Association (USGA). Having hosted 17 USGA championships, including a record nine U.S. Opens, with the tenth scheduled for 2025, Oakmont remains a cornerstone in American golf history.
Designed by Henry Fownes in 1903, Oakmont’s course is known for its punishing layout, with nearly 200 deep bunkers, thick rough, and the fastest greens in the game. The club’s most iconic features, known as the Church Pews Bunkerstretching between holes No. 3 and No. 4, make it one of the most formidable courses in the world. The recent Best Bunkers award highlights Oakmont’s notorious hazards that challenge even the best golfers.
In 2023, leading golf course architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner made modifications to Oakmont’s bunkers and expanded the greens, ensuring the course is in peak condition for future championships. With additional U.S. Opensscheduled in 2033, 2042, and 2049, Oakmont is cementing its legacy as the ultimate “Host of the Most.”
From Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller to Dustin Johnson, some of golf’s greatest champions have triumphed at Oakmont, making it a course that has truly withstood the test of time. Miller’s legendary 63 in the final round of the 1973 U.S. Open remains a course record, a testament to Oakmont’s challenging but rewarding nature.
Beyond the U.S. Open, Oakmont has hosted three PGA Championships, six U.S. Amateur Championships, and two U.S. Women’s Opens, among many other prestigious events. As one of the USGA’s anchor sites, the club’s future is exciting, with a full calendar of major tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open in 2028 and 2038, and the Walker Cup Matches in 2032.
Even though its practice facility is undergoing a major renovation, the local golfers who voted for Oakmont understand that its commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at its championship course. The club’s Best Practice Facility award recognizes its world-class training grounds, where countless champions have honed their skills over the years and obviously, everyone is excited to see the final results of the makeover. Whether you’re preparing for a tournament or perfecting your game, Oakmont’s new practice facility will not disappoint it’s members, guests and professional players.
Looking ahead, as Oakmont Country Club gears up for the 2025 U.S. Open, its ongoing pursuit of perfection remains unwavering. With its award-winning course design, legendary history, and cutting-edge practice facilities, Oakmont continues to set the standard for golf in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
For a full list of winners from the 2024 Golf Choice Awards, visit the current issue of Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine. Be sure to also catch the bonus episode of the Tom & Tom Golf Podcast, where all the winners and runners-up were announced.
