US Open greens at Oakmont "make Augusta National look ordinary"

OAKMONT, Pa. - Extra attention is always paid to how high and thick the rough is at the US Open, especially after it has all but erased Phil Mickelson’s name from being a force this week. High rough is one of the event’s signatures.

But this year, players seem to be more nervous about the greens.

Oakmont Country Club has always been known for tricky greens. It’s best to miss it 50 feet on the right side than 10 feet on the wrong side of the hole.

This year they’re faster and firmer than ever.

“These are some of the toughest greens I’ve ever seen,” said Graeme McDowell on the practice green Tuesday. “They make Augusta National look ordinary.”

That’s a bold statement, especially in 2007, when greens at the Masters were so firm, it took all the fun and birdies out of the tournament.
Tiger Woods says the greens are only going to get harder.

“They’re faster than they were yesterday, and they’re going to get firmer as the week goes forward.”

Greens were rolling a lightning fast 14 on the Stimpmeter yesterday, and the forecast this week calls for sunny skies and no rain. That means little hold, even on short irons.

It’s one of the main reason everyone seems to be expecting pure slaughter this week at Oakmont.

I’ll be at Oakmont all week, plenty more to come at WorldGolf.com