US PGA Championship 2023 – Course Preview
US PGA Championship 2023 – Course Preview
Oak Hill Country Club will host this years US PGA Championship. A prestigious golf course located in Rochester, New York. It was established in 1901 and has since earned a reputation as one of the finest golf courses in the United States. The club features two courses: the East Course and the West Course. The East Course was designed by Donald Ross. It’s particularly renowned for its challenging layout and has hosted several major championships.
An interesting fact about Oak Hill Country Club is that it is one of the few courses to have hosted the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and the U.S. Amateur Championship. This distinction highlights the club’s importance in the world of golf. Also, its ability to consistently deliver a challenging and memorable experience for the world’s best golfers.
One for the Underdogs?
Oak Hill can definitely say it’s hosted the cream of the golfing world. Arguably the greatest golfer of all time in Jack Nicklaus, secured his 5th PGA Championship at Oak Hill in 1980. However since hosting its first Major in 1956 there have been some ‘one time winners’ that even the most avid Golfing fan would strain to remember.
Does Shaun Micheel ring any bells, he won his only Major here in 2003. Another who was tipped to win many more was Jason Dufner. A winner in 2013 but alas hasn’t been in contention since. The last US Open Championship at Oak Hill was one by the ever consistent Curtis Strange in 1989 and prior to that Lee Trevino won his first US Open at Oak Hill back in 1968.
Ofcourse it’s not just Majors that Oak Hill has hosted. Who could forget the Ryder Cup Battle between Bernard Gallagher’s Team Europe and the US led by Lanny Wadkins. You have to go back to 1995 to remember that one! Team Europe, containing Faldo, Ballesteros, Woosnam, Montgomerie etc edged out the US team 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 in an epic battle.
Strong Iron Play the Key
So what does it take to win at Oak Hill and what strengths does a player need to have?
Oak Hill’s East Course is known for its narrow fairways, fast and undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers, which demand accuracy and precise shot-making. Golfers who excel at course management and have strong iron play typically fare well at Oak Hill. Patience and the ability to handle pressure are also essential qualities, as the course can punish even the slightest mistakes.
None of the Golfers who we have mentioned above were known as mammoth hitters. Like always any player looking to win a Major would need to have good putting week. I don’t think anyone would write off John Rahm claiming his second Major of the year at Oak Hill in May. However we will look at a full run down of the contenders in our One’s to watch review coming up in a couple of weeks time.
2021 US PGA Preview and Predictions
SPORTSvox Team
