US Open at Oakmont – three keys to a successful week for Anirban Lahiri

Oakmont is considered one of the toughest tests in all of golf. Naturally it is a favourite venue for the US Open with USGA taking great pains to ensure that winning scores remain as close to par as possible. US Open at Oakmont is where Johnny Miller produced a final round 63 in 1973 – a round that many consider the greatest round of golf in the 20th century. The top 10 finish at Colonial has also come at the right time for Anirban as he builds up to the second major of the season.

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Oakmont has been venue to eight US Opens – 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994 and 2007. “It’s penal, it’s tough,” explained Jim Furyk. “The layout is as hard as I’ve ever seen. Add the Open conditions, you have to be on top of your game. You can play well there and shoot 76. It kind of has a way of snowballing on you. I look forward to going there but I’m cautiously guarded because I know how tough it is.”

So what is going to be key for a good score at Oakmont –

Key 1 – Driving Accuracy will be critical, nearly an existential need at the treacherous course in Oakmont. The fairways are narrow for one, but there are deep bunkers protecting the course. It will take enormous discipline and thoughtful club selection to ensure that ball lays up well enough for the second shot.

Key 2 – Intelligent iron play will play a decisive role on the score card. The greens have punishing gradients on most holes, meaning that the pin is often not the target of the second shot. Golfers will need to be intelligent and smart choices need to be made to ensure they set up well or prepare to pay a penalty.

Key 3– Conservative management of the greens will be a wise strategy for the week. A two putt is just about gold on the Oakmont course and most golfers will be happy to take it and walk away unharmed. Many of the greens need to be played blind to varying degrees, making it important for the golfers to pick their spots before pulling out their putters to finish the job.

Course management is a key strength for Anirban Lahiri, and should help the Indian work his way around Oakmont. Knowing that Anirban sets himself very high standards, he will be eager to do well next week and mix it up with the best in the world.

A good run in Oakmont will be the ideal build up for Anirban, as he looks to solidify his presence on American soil, besides giving him the confindence needed to for the medal hunt at the Rio Olympics.