U.S. Open 2016: Most difficult holes

OAKMONT, PA - JUNE 17: Bubba Watson hits a a shot out of the church pew bunkers on the fourth hole during the final round of the 107th U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club on June 17, 2007 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

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OAKMONT, PA – SEPTEMBER 3: A general view of the par 4 18th hole at 2016 U.S. Open site Oakmont Country Club on September 3, 2015 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Fred Vuich/Getty Images) /

4. No. 18: 484 yard par 4

If golfers haven’t already been tested enough by the time they reach the closing hole, the par 4 18th will provide plenty of challenge.

Many holes at Oakmont are characterized by narrow fairways that require precision from the tee, but the 18th may be the toughest in that regard. Golfers will have to avoid five fairway bunkers prior to a long uphill approach to the green.

While Oakmont doesn’t have any water, a few holes are impacted by drainage ditches, with the most difficult hazard coming on the 18th. A long such ditch on the left side of the fairway on No. 18 can easily wreck a hole, if not an entire round.

Should golfers avoid that set of challenges, they still have to deal with a tough green. The 18th’s green has big movement all over the place, including a large mound that is typically right behind the green.

A one or two-stroke lead heading into No. 18 on the final day won’t necessarily be safe, as the leaders will face a very demanding hole to close out the tournament. Angel Cabrera, the 2007 U.S. Open winner at Oakmont, ran into trouble on the 18th green in his final round, but held on after Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk missed birdie putts.

Next: 3. No. 12: 677 yard par 5

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