Oakmont Country Club saw the elimination of over 12,600 trees, relatively recently planted, triggering questions and concern.
Unleashing the Beast: The Resurrection of Oakmont Country Club
Nestled in the frosty heart of Pennsylvania, the Oakmont Country Club is a beast poised to strike fear into the hearts of golfers come 2025. This fabled golf course, a relic of the late 19th century, has been transformed and refined over the years, but the recent restoration efforts have brought it back to its original, unbridled form.
The story of Oakmont began in the rugged wilderness of North America with Pittsburgh native Henry C. Fownes. introduced to the game by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, Fownes soon became a formidable amateur player in Western Pennsylvania. Dissatisfied with the challenges offered by their local Highland Country Club and its paltry 9-hole setup, the Fownes family set their sights on building an 18-hole championship layout that would leave no doubt of their dominance.
The opportunity to do so arose in 1903, when a pristine plot of land became available on Oakmont Hill, offering breathtaking views of the Allegheny River Valley. Fownes and a group of investors seized the opportunity to create an links-style course that would become one of the best in the country. The course opened in October 1904, a 6,406-yard par-80 masterpiece barely touched by the hands of progress.
Fownes' son, William C. Fownes Jr., took the torch from his father and set Oakmont alight with his achievements. His record-setting victories in local and regional competitions brought Oakmont to the attention of the golf world. William's efforts led to the course hosting numerous US Amateur, PGA Championship, and US Open events between 1919 and 1951.
However, a single, ill-timed critique from a New Yorker journalist tarnished Oakmont's reputation. In a article, Herbert Warren Wind labeled Oakmont as an "ugly, old brute of a course," a slur that stung Oakmont's members and ultimately led to the ill-advised decision to "beautify" the layout. Starting in the 1950s, roughly 8,200 trees were planted, transforming the links course into a parkland monstrosity.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and a new realization struck the members of Oakmont CC - they had strayed from the original vision of Henry C. Fownes. Armed with an aerial photo from 1950, the club set out to restore Oakmont to its former glory. Through a painstaking process, more than 10,000 trees were removed, and the links-style course finally began to resemble the beast it was meant to be.
Today, Oakmont Country Club stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of Henry C. Fownes. The course, playing at 7,230 yards for the 2025 US Open, remains a stern challenge to even the most skilled golfers, with minimal water hazards, penal bunkering, and punishing rough waiting to gobble up any errant shots. The original clubhouse still stands, a historic reminder of Oakmont's storied past and its undying commitment to honoring the vision of its founder.
In conclusion, the resurrection of Oakmont Country Club is a triumph of golf history. By stripping away the modern additions that had softened its edges, Oakmont has returned to its rightful place as one of the most formidable championship venues in the world. The 2025 US Open is destined to be a battle for the ages, as the Beast of Oakmont once again roars onto the fairways and demands respect from anyone dare to challenge its mantle.
- Amidst the home-and-garden landscape, the golf lifestyle is elevated as the Oakmont Country Club boasts one of the best sports courses in the United States, the fabled Oakmont Hill golf course.
- With the golf courses restored to their original links style, homeowners in the area may find their home-and-garden properties offering stunning views of the sports facility, perfect for golf enthusiasts and lovers of the home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The resurgence of the Oakmont Country Club not only revitalizes the golf scene but also aligns with the trend in lifestyle choices, as many homeowners today seek properties in close proximity to sports facilities as part of their home-and-garden lifestyle.
