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Following a thrilling U.S. Open, Oakmont is ready to show off its new look to the world

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on

Published in Golf

PINEHURST, N.C. — The striking images of Pinehurst No. 2, the indelible memories of the 124th U.S. Open, the searing heartache of Rory McIlroy, the jubilant and endless celebration of Bryson DeChambeau. It's all over now.

Next stop: Oakmont.

The U.S. Open ended Sunday at one iconic venue and will return to another next year at the course the United States Golf Association considers the "gold standard" for its national championship.

Oakmont Country Club will play host to the U.S. Open for a record 10th time June 12-15, 2025, replete with some new looks since the last time the club hosted the championship in 2016 but steeped in the same tradition that has made it one of the most famous courses in the world.

And the people at Oakmont can't wait.

"We're incredibly excited," Oakmont president John Lynch said. "With all the new course changes, the membership is insanely happy with everything that has been done. We're looking forward to it. It's a chance to beat the boys up a little."

 

Lynch, along with tournament chairman Lou Cestello, vice chairman John Burke and several other Oakmont members, spent two days at Pinehurst No. 2 last week to examine the setup, pick up some logistical tidbits and just generally get the feel of how another site stages the championship. But after hosting nine previous U.S. Opens — not to mention six U.S. Amateur and three PGA championships — the club believes it has the template pretty much down pat by now.

"Hosting the Open is kind of in the DNA of Oakmont and the membership," Cestello said. "What we're trying to do here is we're trying to learn a bit from them. We were at Los Angeles Country Club last year. We'll take the best of what we learn and apply to what we already know at Oakmont."

Oakmont underwent a major restoration over the past year in an attempt to bring the course back to some of the original looks designed by William C. Fownes in 1903. The work was done by noted architect Gil Hanse — the "Open Doctor" — who has performed similar restorations at other clubs to help them get ready for a major championship.

But, in this case, some of the other work — repairing the bunkers, replacing the irrigation system — was done as a necessity for the overall quality of the course, not simply to get it ready for another U.S. Open. All 18 holes were finally opened to the membership in April.

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(c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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