Five holes that will decide U.S. Open at Oakmont

The fourth hole will be important for a much different reason than the first this week. Because there are only two par 5s on the scorecard, it will be critical to score on the shorter one. Although the fourth measures longer than 600 yards, it will still be reachable in two for the big hitters as long as the wind isn't significant. 

There aren't many birdie holes on this property, so you better take advantage of the par-5 fourth. Just stay out of the iconic church pews on the left!

Hole No. 8: Par 3, 293 yards

Yes, you read that right. Oakmont actually has a nearly 300-yard par 3 on the scorecard for the U.S. Open. Get ready to pull off those head covers, pros.

In 2016, No. 8 surprisingly played as only the eighth-hardest hole on the course with a scoring average of 3.30. The green is massive and the surrounding danger isn't too penal, so double bogey doesn't come into play much on this beast. If players can find a way to birdie it, though, they'll be picking up a huge advantage on the field. 

Hole No. 15: Par 4, 509 yards

The 15th hole is the longest par 4 on the scorecard at 509 yards. Not only is No. 15 long, but it also features a narrow fairway pinched between two deep fairway bunkers. If a player ends up in the sand or the thick rough with your drive, good luck reaching the green in two shots. 

The 15th played as the third-hardest hole in 2016 with a scoring average of 4.39. Par is a great score on this doozy of a hole. 

Hole No. 17: Par 4, 317 yards

The drivable 17th is the only real scoring opportunity in the final four-hole stretch. It plays severely uphill and blind from off the tee, but a great drive can reach the green and set up a potential eagle. On the other hand, ending up in the deep greenside bunker could bring bogey into play. 

With so few scoring holes at Oakmont, the pressure to make birdie on the 17th is that much higher.

TV broadcast information (all times Eastern): 
Thursday, June 12: 6 a.m.-5 p.m, (USA Network), 5-8 p.m. (Peacock)
Friday, June 13: 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; 7-8 p.m. (Peacock), 1-7 p.m. ET (NBC)
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-noon (USA Network), noon-8 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, June 15: 9 a.m.-noon (USA Network), noon-7 p.m. (NBC)