U.S. Open 2016: Most difficult holes

The best golfers in the world will get quite the challenge this week at the 2016 U.S. Open.

Golf fans may have thought the 2015 U.S. Open provided enough of a challenge, but this year could take things to a whole new level.

The 2016 U.S. Open will get underway on Thursday from historic Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Even the game’s best could have a tough time with the course, which is regarded as one of the toughest in the world.

Last year’s event at Chambers Bay was plagued by poor green conditions, making many of the holes unplayable. Unlike in 2015, Oakmont is expected to be in pristine condition, but is still going to cause plenty of difficulty for the golfers.

At first glance, Oakmont may not seem terribly difficult, as there’s no water hazards or heavily wooded areas. However, the course plays very long and narrow on most holes, requiring multiple perfect shots from golfers to avoid some truly nasty rough or one of the 200 plus bunkers at Oakmont.

That’s not to mention the greens, which slope all over the place in multiple directions and might just be the most difficult in the nation. Oakmont’s greens are notoriously fast and look even quicker than normal in the practice rounds leading up to the weekend.

Oakmont provides few breaks for the golfers, but these five holes stand out as the most challenging on the course.

Next: 5. No. 8: 288 yard par 3