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• Thursday, 24 May 2007
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The US Open is generally considered the most challenging tournament on the professional rota and Oakmont 2007 will do little to affect the consensus.

Lightning-fast greens, tangling and treacherous rough, a 667-yard par 5 and a 288-yard par 3 will combine to test the world’s best to their limits. Technical weaknesses will be exposed and mental fragilities uncovered. An early leader will fall from grace and someone will make a late surge through the pack. More than any other tournament, the final result of the US Open is never certain until the final putt has dropped.

In the modern era, American players have dominated the event. They’ve won 52 of the 61 competitions held since the Second World War. But the past three US Opens have gone to golfers from outside the States: Retief Goosen, Michael Campbell and Geoff Ogilvy.

Unfortunately Britain hasn’t had a winner since Tony Jacklin in 1970, but Messrs Rose, Donald, Casey and Poulter will be fighting hard to end that run at Oakmont. They’ll be looking to join the illustrious list of names adorning the magnificent US Open trophy. Vardon, Jones, Hagen, Hogan, Nicklaus, Palmer, Watson and Woods are all past champions. The event really does sort the wheat from the chaff.

Whoever wins at Oakmont, it’s set to be a thrilling roller coaster ride of fortunes and emotions. The winner will display precision and patience and, probably, just a little bit of luck.

Golf Monthly’s Luke Norman is travelling to Pennsylvania to witness the carnage first hand. He’ll be reporting back every day on this site with the latest news from inside and outside the ropes. Bookmark this page and be kept right up to date.


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