US Open Sets Longest Par-3 Major Record at Oakmont

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club will feature the longest par-3 hole in major championship history, the 8th hole, which is set to play at 301 yards. This monstrous par-3 has been described by players like Collin Morikawa as "ridiculous" and Viktor Hovland as "silly," reflecting the challenge it poses even to the sport's elite. The hole's length exceeds the average PGA Tour driving distance and requires players to use drivers or long clubs, with the additional difficulty of hazards such as the 100-yard-long Sahara bunker and a newly added cross bunker. Historically, the 8th hole has been a critical test, with a wide range of scores including numerous bogeys and birdies, emphasizing the hole's psychological and strategic demands. Oakmont's overall design, nicknamed 'The Beast,' aims to challenge players' skills and mental toughness, with the U.S. Golf Association encouraging competitors to bring their full arsenal of clubs and focus to overcome the course. This demanding setup continues a trend in major championships where exceptionally long par-3s are used to counteract advances in driving distance and maintain course difficulty.