U.S. Open 2016: Most difficult holes

5. No. 8: 288 yard par 3

Oakmont will only have three par 3 holes for the 2016 U.S. Open, and none of them are going to provide much of a break to the golfers. That includes the eighth hole, where most players would be happy with a par.

Back in 2007, the last time the U.S. Open was held at Oakmont, the eighth hole was the longest par 3 in tournament history at exactly 300 yards. The hole will play nearly as long at the 2016 U.S. Open, and golfers will need to be at their best to improve on the overall hole stroke average of 3.452 this time around.

Some players will even be tempted to tee off with the driver on No. 8, which is a rare occurrence in a top professional tournament. Adding to the difficulty of the tee shot is a 100-yard bunker that creates a slight dogleg on the left of the fairway and extending all the way up to the green, appropriately named Sahara.

With multiple bunkers on the right and plenty of rough, golfers will need perfect placement on the tee shot to avoid trouble. In particular, the eighth could quickly get away from shorter hitters who are unable to drive the ball past the cross bunker.

Next: 4. No. 18: 484 yard par 4