US Open: Ernie Els reveals the secrets to conquering super-tough Oakmont Country Club
Winning a Major golf tournament is no easy feat.
But winning a Major golf tournament at one of the world’s hardest golf courses requires perfection.
What is golfing perfection?
Ernie Els’ 1994 US Open win at Oakmont Country Club is a great example of that.
The Pennsylvania course is among the toughest in the world and the venue for this weekend’s US Open.
Rapid, sloped putting surfaces and impossibly thick rough punish even the smallest of mistakes.
Earlier this week, the South African four-time Major winner looked ahead to the 2025 US Open and drew comparisons to his memorable maiden Major title 31 years ago.
Brutality meets beauty
With the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club getting underway, the whispers of fear, anticipation and peril surrounding the iconic course layout are at their loudest.
News that Rory McIlroy shot 81 in a practice round at the venue and clips of the world’s best hacking unsuccessfully into the half a foot of thick rough have been doing the rounds online.
But for the 55-year-old who triumphed at the venue in 1994, those whispers have morphed into excitement.
“In my prime, I’d have been licking my chops. To me, it looks like the perfect US Open setup,” said Els.
“You’ve got to play all the shots”
Els claims the course’s ability to expose any weaknesses in your game is what separates Oakmont from the rest.
“You’ve got to shape the ball both ways off the tee and into the greens, to counter the severe slopes”, he explained, “The one-dimensional approach doesn’t cut it – you’ve got to mix it up off the tee.”
Els reminisced: “In 1994, I hit everything from a driver to a 4-iron to put myself in an ideal position to hit greens”.
The strategy paid off. He led the field in greens in regulation and supplemented his accuracy with a strong putting performance through 72 holes.
But even when your game is ticking, the field will simply have to dig deep…
“There are holes where you can get a middle or short iron in your hands, and you’ve got to make the most of those scoring opportunities. The tougher holes, you’ve just got to hang on”.
18 holes that are designed to punish
There’s been a big buildup to this US Open with murmurs of its harshness rife since Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Championship win.
It’s a slightly different version of Oakmont this year, but it’s no less lethal.
The recent bunker restoration by Gil Hanse drew plaudits from Ernie Els.
“They’re back to something of its original configuration, a great job in all respects. The fairway bunkers aren’t as deep as they used to be, but are still very much in play.”
Els also alluded to one of the big talking points – the rough.
One of the few things in the players’ favour this weekend is moisture.
“There’s a bit of give in the course at the moment, which gives the guys a better chance.
“Back in 1994, there was a heatwave that year, and I’m not sure who suffered more, the golf course or the players. The rough back then was more patchy, a bit less juicy.”
The winner takes it all.
The former World No.1 believes someone can take control and shoot under par to take the title, contrary to the opinion that the winner is expected to come in over par.
“If you’re on your game and in control of your golf ball, it can be done.”
It’s a special place in his heart, a golf club where he’s now a member and will be an honorary guest for the 2025 edition.
“This is where it all started for me, as I get older, that really means something. A special place with some special memories,” said Els.
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