The Pennsylvania Turnpike came along after the golf course and dissects the layout in two places. Players have to cross a footbridge to reach the second hole, then cross back over to reach the ninth. The famous “Church Pews” split the third and fourth fairways, a beach that is evenly split by 12 rows of grass. Sinners welcome; prepare for an extended stay.

The course is only 301 yards longer than it was when Tommy Armour won the first Open here in 1927, but it is 285 yards longer than it was in 1994. Since Els’ victory in ‘94, the club has had more than 5,000 trees removed in an effort to restore the course to its original texture. In so doing, it also restored par to its originally elusive stature.  

“Aesthetically, it is a big, big change, taking it back to the original intent from the start,” said Mike Davis, USGA senior director of rules and competition. “Even though it’s not a true links course, it was really after that concept. In my opinion, they did a marvelous job taking it back to where the bunkers are in play now. Balls are rolling, there are not trees out there.”

Those who have prevailed at Oakmont are among the game’s most voracious winners. They include Armour, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead,  Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Larry Nelson. Whomever wins this week will earn his keep in that club.

In seven previous Opens at Oakmont, only a total of 23 players have finished 72 holes under par. That was then, this is now. This retro-fitted, tree-trimmed version, the USGA might take that up a few notches. Ogilvy won last year’s Open at Winged Foot at five strokes above par. If you gave it to him right now, he might sit in the clubhouse and take his chances.

Special feature Who will be the last man standing Sunday?

“It’s the hardest course I’ve seen,” Ogilvy said. During his recent trip to survey the course, Vijay Singh put the winning number at “8-to-10 over.”

There will be a lot of stories this week at Oakmont, none bigger than Oakmont.

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