ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The piece of property housing the Oak Hill East Course that will challenge the best players in the world has undergone numerous changes over the years.
The original Donald Ross design first got some national love in 1934, when the City of Rochester’s 100th birthday and the 20th anniversary of hometown hero Walter Hagen’s U.S. Open win at Midlothian Country Club were rolled into a celebration at the course.
In the 1970s, club leaders called on George Fazio and his nephew Tom to add some new wrinkles. Then, the course was renovated again in 2019 by Andrew Green.
Here’s a look at the front nine of the course, which will be in the international spotlight this week:
Hole 1: “The Challenge” | Par 4 | 460 yards
Ben Hogan once called this hole the toughest opening test in championship golf. The opening tee shot is from an elevated tee to a slight dogleg left. A great drive can take advantage of a fairway downslope at 290 yards. Allens Creek runs across the fairway hole at the 360 mark. The danger off the tee is out of bounds to the right and three bunkers on the left. The green is well guarded by grass hummocks and a greenside bunker short right.
Hole 2: “Breather” | Par 4 | 405 yards
A precise tee shot is needed on this short par-4 due to the severely narrow fairway and deep fairway bunkers on both sides. The elevated green slopes severely from back to front. An approach shot below the hole gives the player the best chance for a birdie.
Hole 3: “Vista” | Par 3 | 230 yards
The first par-3 requires a shot with a mid or long iron to a green that slopes predominately from back to front. Three deep bunkers guard the green in front. A ball that lands on the front third of the green has a minimal chance of staying on due to an aggressive false front.
Hole 4: “The High And Mighty” | Par 5 | 615 yards
The only par-5 on the front requires a very precise tee shot to have a chance of reaching the green in two. Bunkers and out-of-bounds guard the right side while trees run along the left. The green slopes from back to front with deep bunkers short-left and short-right guarding the green.
Hole 5: “Little Poison” | Par 3 | 180 yards
A two-tiered green surrounded by four deep bunkers requires an accurate tee shot to have a chance at birdie. A shot that misses long will make it very challenging to save par. When planning an approach, pay attention to the hole location to ensure the best chances for a scoring opportunity.
Hole 6: “Double Trouble” | Par 4 | 503 yards
This long par-4 doglegs slightly to the right, with fairway bunkers on the left and water up the right. An exacting tee shot is a must to have a chance at hitting this green in regulation. Allens Creek meanders across the fairway and protects long and left of this multi-tiered green complex. A thoughtful approach shot depending on the hole location is needed for any opportunity for a birdie
Hole 7: “Creek’s Elbow” | Par 4 | 461 yards
With Allens Creek winding up the right side of the hole and then crossing the fairway, plus a thick strand of trees left, this tee shot must be carefully placed. Many players may use a fairway wood or long iron to ensure safety off the tee. The approach shot is uphill to one of the most challenging greens on the course.
Hole 8: “Wayside” | Par 4 | 429 yards
Compared to the previous two holes, the driving area is rather generous. The fairway zig gags between a bunker on each side that could provide challenge on an errant tee shot. Three deep greenside bunkers guard this rather large green.
Hole 9: “Needle’s Eye” | Par 4 | 482 yards
The par-4 ninth is a tough uphill dogleg right with a fairway that narrows the farther up a tee shot goes. Any drive on the right side runs the risk of out of bounds or being blocked out by overhanging trees. The approach shot is likely a mid-iron to a green that slopes from back to front. Missing long or left could provide a challenging up and down for par
