Oakmont Par 3: Pros Slam U.S. Open Hole Design
- Open at Oakmont approaches, a debate has emerged regarding the ideal length of par-3 holes.
- hovland argued that the most memorable par-3s are generally those measuring under 200 yards.
- Nicklaus humorously commented on Oakmont's 8th hole, which will play at a lengthy 299 yards for the upcoming U.S.
Viktor Hovland and Jack nicklaus are clashing over the optimal design of par-3 holes as the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont looms. Hovland favors shorter par-3s,believing the best are under 200 yards,whereas Nicklaus,a celebrated course designer,finds crafting compelling long par-3s challenging. The debate centers on Oakmont’s newly extended 8th hole, drawing amusing remarks from Nicklaus, who joked about it being a “short par-5” due to its length.They have divergent views impacting gameplay strategy. News Directory 3 helps explain thes viewpoints. The U.S. Open will test these contrasting perspectives. Discover what’s next for par-3 design in competitive golf.
Nicklaus, Hovland Clash Over Long Par-3s Ahead of U.S. Open
Updated may 28, 2025
As the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont approaches, a debate has emerged regarding the ideal length of par-3 holes. viktor Hovland recently stated his preference for shorter par-3s, while Jack Nicklaus, the host of the Memorial Tournament, voiced his concerns about the design challenges of longer par-3s.
hovland argued that the most memorable par-3s are generally those measuring under 200 yards. He expressed skepticism about holes requiring players to use fairway woods, deeming them “a little silly.”
Nicklaus humorously commented on Oakmont’s 8th hole, which will play at a lengthy 299 yards for the upcoming U.S. Open. “I haven’t played it since they lengthened it to be a short par-5,” Nicklaus quipped. He further elaborated on the difficulty of creating well-designed, long par-3s, saying, “I think it’s difficult to make a good, long par-3.”
When asked if golf “needs” long par-3s, Nicklaus responded, “I don’t know. I don’t have any on my golf courses… I can’t answer yoru question as I don’t like them.” He shared his preferred par-3 design philosophy, which includes a mix of lengths to account for varying wind conditions.
“I just think all the best par-3s are under 200,” Hovland said on Tuesday.“You can maybe have it just over 200, but as soon as you start to take head covers off on par-3s, I just think it gets a little silly.”
“I think it’s difficult to make a good, long par-3. I think it’s a very difficult thing to have a hole where you’re standing back hitting a wood at a par-3.”
What’s next
Hovland and other professionals will face Oakmont’s newly lengthened 8th hole when the 2025 U.S. Open commences on Thursday, June 12, putting the debate over ideal par-3 length to the test.