Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont Country Club, frequent host of the U.S. Open

Oakmont Country Club, founded in 1903 by Henry C. Fownes, stands as one of the most revered and challenging golf courses in the world. Located in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, it was designed with an “inland links” philosophy, featuring firm, fast conditions, deep bunkers, and famously undulating greens. Oakmont has a rich history of hosting more major championships than almost any other course in the United States, earning its reputation as a pure and unrelenting test of golf. Its unique character, including the iconic “Church Pew” bunkers and the Pennsylvania Turnpike running through the property, adds to its legendary status.

Major Championship History

Oakmont Country Club holds the distinction of having hosted more U.S. Open’s than any other course. Its challenging nature makes it a favorite for the USGA, ensuring a demanding test for the world’s elite.

  • U.S. Open: A record ten times (1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2016, 2025)
  • PGA Championship: Three times (1922, 1951, 1978)
  • U.S. Amateur: Six times (1919, 1925, 1938, 1969, 2003, 2021)
  • U.S. Women’s Open: Twice (1992, 2010)
  • Future Major Events: Oakmont is scheduled to host the U.S. Open in 2034 and 2042, the U.S. Women’s Open in 2028, and the Walker Cup in 2032.

Notable U.S. Open Champions at Oakmont:

  • 1927: Tommy Armour (First U.S. Open at Oakmont, won in a playoff against Harry Cooper).
  • 1953: Ben Hogan (A legendary victory for Hogan, who called it “the hardest course I ever played”).
  • 1962: Jack Nicklaus (Won his first major championship, defeating Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff).
  • 1973: Johnny Miller (Famously shot a final-round 63, one of the greatest rounds in major championship history).
  • 2016: Dustin Johnson (Overcame a rules controversy to claim his first major title).

Club Overview

Established: 1903
Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA
Course Type: Inland Links-style, Private
Architect: Henry C. Fownes (original design), with subsequent restoration efforts (notably tree removal)
Yardage (U.S. Open): Approx. 7,372 yards (for 2025 U.S. Open)
Par: 70 (for championship play, originally 71/80)
Signature Features: Renowned for its incredibly fast and severe greens, over 200 bunkers (including the iconic “Church Pew” bunkers between the 3rd and 4th fairways), and minimal trees, emphasising strategic play and recovery.
Address: 1233 Hulton Rd, Oakmont, PA 15139, United States

Where is Oakmont Country Club?

Oakmont Country Club is located in the borough of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, approximately 14 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. Travel should be planned in advance, especially during major events.

1. By Air:

  • Primary Airport: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pittsburgh, PA (approx. 33 miles west of Oakmont).
  • Other Nearby Airports:
    • Allegheny County Airport (AGC): Approx. 21 miles southwest of Oakmont.
    • Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport (BTP): Approx. 25 miles north of Oakmont.
    • Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE): Approx. 40 miles southeast of Oakmont.

2. By Car & Parking:

  • Driving Directions: Oakmont is accessible via major highways in the Pittsburgh area, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76).
  • Parking (for Major Events): For events like the U.S. Open, general public parking is typically not available on the club grounds. Complimentary off-site parking with continuous shuttle services is organized by the USGA at designated “Red” and “Blue” lots (e.g., Hartwood Acres and Monroeville Mall). These shuttles provide direct access to the course gates.
  • Recommendation: Always refer to the official event fan guide for precise parking locations, shuttle schedules, and any road restrictions during the tournament week. Local street parking near the club is often restricted during major championships.

3. Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Rideshare services are available in the Pittsburgh area. During major events, designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones will be established (e.g., at Tenth Street Elementary in Oakmont Borough) with a short walk to the nearest admission gate. Large private buses or vehicles are typically directed to the general fan parking lots for shuttle transfer.

Important Planning Notes:

  • Road Restrictions: During major championships, several local roadways around Oakmont will have altered access and temporary restrictions. Residents living in impacted areas will receive special passes.
  • Traffic Delays: Expect significant traffic delays in and around Oakmont and Plum Borough during peak arrival and departure times (typically 7-11 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m.) on primary routes to the course. Patience is key.
  • Event Information: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on travel, parking, and logistics for a specific event, always consult the official championship website (e.g., the U.S. Open Fan Information Guide).

Tickets to Events at Oakmont Country Club

As an exclusive private club, access to Oakmont Country Club is severely restricted outside of major championship events. For tournaments like the U.S. Open, tickets are in extremely high demand.

General Ticket Types (Applicable to Major Events):

When attending major events at Oakmont, you can typically expect a range of ticket options:

  • General Admission: Standard grounds passes allow access to the course to follow the action from designated viewing areas.
  • Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, official hospitality packages are often available, providing exclusive access, food and beverage, and prime viewing locations.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels (e.g., USGA for the U.S. Open) to avoid fraudulent sales and ensure valid entry.

U.S. Open Tickets:

Tickets for the U.S. Open are released well in advance and typically sell out very quickly due to the high demand and Oakmont’s historic significance. Information regarding ticket availability, pricing, and purchase procedures can be found on the official USGA U.S. Open website.

Where to Stay near Oakmont Country Club

Finding accommodation near Oakmont Country Club requires advance planning, especially during major golf championships, as demand can surge. The immediate area is primarily residential, but options are available in nearby towns and Pittsburgh.

1. Key Towns/Areas for Accommodation:

  • Oakmont: Limited independent B&Bs or inns might be available directly in Oakmont borough, offering the closest proximity.
  • Harmarville / Pittsburgh Suburbs (e.g., Monroeville, Cranberry Township): Many chain hotels (Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, TownePlace Suites, etc.) are located within a 10-30 minute drive, offering a wider range of price points and amenities.
  • Downtown Pittsburgh: For those seeking a vibrant city experience with more extensive hotel, dining, and entertainment options, downtown Pittsburgh is about a 20-30 minute drive from Oakmont, though traffic during peak event times should be considered.

2. Types of Accommodation:

  • Hotels: A variety of hotels, from budget-friendly to upscale, can be found in the surrounding suburbs and downtown Pittsburgh.
  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: A few smaller, independent lodging options might be available closer to Oakmont.
  • Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo may offer private homes or apartments for rent in the area, which can be a good option for groups.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book as early as possible: Hotel rooms, particularly during major events, will be reserved well in advance and at premium rates.
  • Consider Transportation: Factor in travel time and transportation options to the course when selecting your accommodation, especially if relying on event shuttles during a championship.
  • Use reputable booking sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Expedia to find and compare accommodation options, always verifying reviews and ratings.
TripAdvisor

Playing at Oakmont Country Club

Oakmont Country Club is a highly exclusive private golf club. Access to play is generally limited to members and their invited guests. Public tee times are not available.

Green Fees:

  • As a private club, specific green fees for guests are not publicly advertised. Access is typically part of a private invitation from a member. Membership initiation fees are reported to be very high, with substantial annual dues. Winning a U.S. Open at Oakmont traditionally grants an honorary membership.

Booking Tee Times:

  • Private Invitation: The only way for non-members to play Oakmont is through an invitation from a member of the club. Tee times are arranged directly by members.

Best Time to Visit and Play:

  • Late Spring to Early Fall: Generally the best time for golf in Western Pennsylvania, offering mild to warm temperatures.
  • June (for U.S. Open): The U.S. Open is typically held in mid-June, meaning late spring and early summer provide prime conditions, though the course is set up to be extremely challenging for the championship.

Walkability:

  • Oakmont Country Club is an excellent walking course, and walking is permitted and often encouraged.
  • While carts are available, they are often restricted to the cart paths. Many golfers choose to walk, sometimes with a caddie.
  • The club emphasizes pace of play, aiming for 18 holes to be played within approximately 4 hours for a group. Caddies are available and can be helpful for navigating the challenging course and its famously fast greens.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Oakmont Country Club

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Oakmont Country Club (especially during a major event), here are essential resources for your trip:

Official Sites:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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