Oakmont will give the elite US Open field nightmares

“It’s the hardest course we have ever played,” was how Phil Mickelson described Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, the oldest top-ranked course in the USA, built in 1903 by designer Henry Foundes with a crew of 150 and two dozen mule teams.

The leftie, who will celebrate his 46th birthday on the opening day this week, has played in 94 majors winning five – the Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010, The Open in 2013, and the PGA in 2005.

But Mickelson has never won a US Open having the frustration to finish second six times – in 1999 to Payne Stewart, 2002 to Tiger Woods, 2008 to Retief Goosen, 2006 to Geoff Ogilvy, 2009 to Lucas Glover, and in 2013 to Justin Rose.

“A lot of golf courses that challenge you tee to green the way Oakmont does usually give a little bit on the greens.

“Not Oakmont, the greens are some of the most undulating and fast to make it very difficult to putt,” Mickelson added.

This will be the seventh US Open Oakmont has hosted.

In 1927, Tommy Armour won with 13-over.

In 1935, Sam Park Jnr was successful at 11-over.

In 1951, Ben Hogan won with 5-under.

In 1962, Jack Nicklaus won with 1-under.

In 1973, Johnny Miller was successful with 5-under.

In 1983, it was Larry Nelson with 4-under.

In 1994, Ernie Els with 5-under.

Before the 2007 US Open, Oakmont underwent a major reconstruction, cutting own more than 4000 trees that were planted in the 1960s, lengthened the course to 7230 yards (6611 metres), and reduced the par to 70 in the new style links course.

Angel Cabrera won in 2007 with 5-over by a shot from Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk.

Mickelson and Cabrera are among the senior starters this week – Mickelson drawn with former US Open champion Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson for the first two rounds – Cabrera with two former US Open champions in Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk.

World number one and tournament favourite Jason Day warmed up for the second major of the year by pitching the first ball at the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St Louis Cardinals baseball clash.

“I was very nervous,”admitted Day.

He shouldn’t have been nervous, his pitch was in the strike zone, his action and delivery impressive, just like sinking one of his many 30-foot putts.

Day’s drawn in one of the strongest marquee groups with compatriot Adam Scott, and Louis Oosthuizen.

World number two and defending champion Jordan Spieth’s been drawn with Zach Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau.

World number three Rory McIlroy’s drawn with Masters champion Danny Willett, and world five Rickie Fowler.

World four Bubba Watson has Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed for company.

World six Dustin Johnson has Sergio Garcia and Hideki Matsuyama.

Other groups in contention include Lee Westwood with Luke Donald, and Martin Kaymer. Then there’s Brandt Snedeker with Bill Haas and Billy Horschel. And finally Kevin Kisner with Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace.

The other Australians include Geoff Ogilvy with Graeme McDowell and Webb Simpson – three former US Open champions.

Marc Leishman with Jimmy Walker and Paul Casey.

Cameron Smith with compatriot Steve Bowditch and Derek Bard.

Aaron Price with Dennis McCarthy and Mikael Lundberg.

Prediction – Jason Day’s patience to tell with the winning score likely to be over par. The bolter will be Daniel Berger.