Oh boy, golf hazards. You think water and thick rough would be the big bads, right? Nah, not at Oakmont Country Club, where this week’s U.S. Open is happening. Nope, it’s not the H20 causing chaos—it’s those Church Pew bunkers. Yeah, those things. Nestled between holes 3 and 4, messing with players like it’s their sole purpose. Shot Scope dug up some numbers on ’em, and you might need to sit down for this.
Warning: Numbers Ahead
Here’s the juicy bit from Shot Scope:
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On hole 3, if you’re unlucky enough to land in the Church Pew, kiss an average of 1.25 strokes goodbye. Seriously, more than double your regular bunker slap.
- Then there’s hole 4, and it’s not much better. You’re losing about 0.61 strokes. Ouch.
For a normal bunker? We’re talking amateurs dropping 0.5 strokes. Big yikes, these are not your average sand pits.
Why Are These Bunkers So… Menacing?
Every U.S. Open course has its party trick. Oakmont’s big act? Aside from the fact these bunkers are gigantic (like, hey, they mess with two holes), there’s a bunch of stuff that makes ’em a nightmare.
What’s up with the Church Pews? Here’s the lowdown:
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Massive: The main bunker sprawls over 100 yards, touching multiple holes. It’s in your face. Constantly.
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Odd Lies Galore: Those grass "pews" are sneaky. They mess up the sand, leaving your ball in the weirdest spots, with wacky stances and blocked views.
- Getting Out is No Picnic: You’ll need anything from a wedge to an 8-iron, and if you botch it—well, say hello to sandy doom once more.
What About Your Home Course?
Honest truth? Sometimes bunkers are better missed spots than rough patches or water traps. But oh, they’re not all church pew monsters. The Pews? They’re the final boss in golf’s bunker kingdom.
When you’re out there on your turf, eyeball the bunker before attempting your grand escape:
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Roomy Bunker: Still head for the green, maybe.
- Deep with Nasties: Take it easy, get out, live to swing another day.
The Church Pews have this thing where you think you’re a hero. You’re not. Ego—bigger score killer than bad putts. A miracle shot might seem epic but play it safe, especially with a gnarly lie or lip.
Parting Thoughts
Pros at Oakmont know they’re in a tough spot, but even they are dropping strokes left and right in these sand monsters. The stats back it up. Some bunkers? Best avoided. Period.
