No. 9

This plays as a par 5 for members and will be as tough as any hole at Oakmont. The drive is uphill with a series of bunkers to the right and the ditch to the left. The green is severely contoured, and looks enormous for a reason. The back half of the green is the practice green. Some players will see a dozen or so of their peers practicing at the back of the green. Arnold Palmer had a two-shot lead in 1962 until he flubbed a chip and took bogey, and Jack Nicklaus eventually caught him to force a playoff.

Bob Friend, Director of Golf
Pikewood National Golf Club
Morgantown, WV

Text Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved.