Here’s why Dustin Johnson dubs Oakmont the ‘hardest course’ he has ever played in

2025 U.S. OPEN - Preview Day One - Source: Getty
Dustin Johnson during 2025 U.S. OPEN - Preview Day One - Source: Getty

With just two days left for the U.S. Open, Dustin Johnson recently caught up with reporters from the iconic golf venue at Oakmont. In the interview, the 2016 U.S. Open winner has given his verdict about the iconic golf Major venue.

Oakmont CC is historically and widely considered to be one of the toughest courses in professional golf. The course's extensive natural elements add a lot of complications besides beauty to the place. Johnson has won here once, which was the first Major championship victory of his life. The LIV Golfer recently opened up about the upcoming U.S. Open Championship.

The press conference saw Johnson sharing how tough he considers Oakmont CC to be. Take a look at the conversation below where Dustin shared some views about the course conditions as well.

Reporter: "What do you consider the hardest course you've ever played?"
Dustin Johnson: "Probably this one. Is there a runner-up? I mean, I don't know. I haven't played one. I don't know. It's hard to compare, but I mean, I've played some hard courses, but it all depends on the conditions. You know, this one's hard no matter what. It's all firm, windy, no wind."

LIV Golf shared the clip from Johnson's press interaction on their Instagram profile:

In 2016, Dustin Johnson put up a commendable performance at the golf venue. Although rain delay caused Round 1 to shift to Friday, Johnson maintained focus throughout the round. He finished the first 18 holes with 3 under par 67, tied for the lead with Andrew Landry.

Throughout the four rounds, Johnson kept his composure despite adverse conditions in Oakmont. Dustin Johnson shot the remaining three rounds with 69-71-69, securing the Major victory with three strokes over Shane Lowry, Jim Furyk and Scott Piercy.

Despite a controversial moment during the final round, Johnson stayed calm under extreme pressure and clinched the U.S. Open title. Over the final 18 holes, the golfer scored a birdie on hole 9 and ended up scoring pars over a stretch of tough holes. In the concluding hole, Dustin smoked a clutch birdie after draining a 6 foot putt.


Dustin Johnson addresses controversial 2016 U.S. Open moment

Nine years ago, while playing over the final 18 holes at Oakmont, Johnson encountered a massive setback. On the fifth green, the two-time Major champ was penalized by USGA for allegedly moving the ball.

Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson claimed that before he could make the putt, he reportedly noticed the ball move by itself. In a recent interview from Oakmont Country Club, the golfer addressed this controversial moment when the press asked what he thinks happened.

Reporter: "My second question, if it's that hard, how did you shoot 4-under last time or 5-under? Take your pick."
Johnson: "5-under."

Even if his score was changed from 275 to 276, Johnson still won the 2016 U.S. Open with a three-stroke margin.

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Edited by Luke Koshi
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