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2023 PGA Championship Course Preview: Oak Hill Country Club

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The PGA Championship is one of the biggest events on the golfing calendar, drawing in top professionals from around the world and multiple millions of viewers. The 2023 edition of the PGA Championship is set to take place at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, and excitement is already building for this big event. As golf fans and experts eagerly await the arrival of this tournament, many are curious about what kind of course they can expect to see in action. This preview will explore everything we know so far about the Oak Hill Country Club and what we can expect from it during the 2023 PGA Championship.

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2023 PGA Championship Course Preview

Oak Hill’s East Course, the main stage for the championship, is renowned for its demanding yet fair design. The par-70 layout stretches over 7,400 yards, presenting a stern test of skill and strategy. The course features narrow fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers, making precision and accuracy paramount for success. With its classic design and traditional feel, Oak Hill provides a perfect blend of shot-making challenges and strategic decision-making, setting up a thrilling and closely contested championship.

A Brief History of Oak Hill Country Club

Oak Hill Country Club is a prestigious private golf club located in Rochester, New York. It has hosted numerous major golf championships, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup.

The club was founded in 1901 by a group of local businessmen who wanted to establish a country club for social and recreational purposes. The original course, designed by Scottish golf course architect Donald Ross, featured nine holes and opened for play in 1902. It wasn't until 1926 that the club expanded to a full 18-hole course, which was again designed by Ross. The new course was considered one of the finest in the country at the time.

In 1935, Oak Hill hosted its first major championship, the U.S. Amateur. This event took place during the height of the Great Depression, and the club received a lot of criticism for hosting such an extravagant event during tough economic times. However, golf enthusiasts were thrilled with the quality of the course and the caliber of the players. The event sparked a lot of interest in both Oak Hill and the sport of golf.

Oak Hill continued to cement its reputation as a premier golf venue in the years that followed. The club hosted the U.S. Open in 1956, which was won by Cary Middlecoff. In 1968, Oak Hill hosted the U.S. Open for the second time, and this time, Lee Trevino emerged as the champion. He is famously reported to have said, "If I'd known they were going to rough up the course like this, I'd have brought my shovel."

The club hosted its first PGA Championship in 1980, which was won by Jack Nicklaus. It was also the first major championship to feature a sudden-death playoff. Oak Hill continued to host the PGA Championship in 2003 and 2013. The latter event saw Jason Dufner win his first major championship.

In addition to the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, Oak Hill also hosted the Ryder Cup in 1995, when Europe defeated the United States by a score of 14 1/2 to 13 1/2.

Throughout the years, Oak Hill has undergone several improvements and renovations to maintain its championship-caliber status. Despite these changes, however, the course has retained its original character and charm. Its lush green fairways, challenging bunkers and undulating greens provide a test for even the most experienced golfers.

Oak Hill is also known for its storied history and traditions. For example, the course has a “Hill of Fame” on the 13th hole, with plaques on trees dedicated to some of the great people in golf history. The club also honors its past champions by displaying their names on plaques throughout the clubhouse.

Oak Hill Country Club has established itself as one of the premier golf venues in the world. Its rich history, top-notch facilities and breathtaking course make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts everywhere. Whether you're watching a major championship or playing a round of golf with friends, Oak Hill is a true gem in the world of golf.

Course Layout: Oak Hil Country Club’s Challenges and Opportunities

Oak Hill Country Club’s East Course is a classic parkland layout that will play at 7,400 yards for this year’s PGA. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, and it has hosted many major championships over the years, including the 2013 PGA Championship, the 1995 Ryder Cup and the 1989 U.S. Open. The course has also hosted the Senior PGA Championship five times, most recently in 2019.

The course is known for its tight fairways, small greens and challenging bunkers. The first nine holes are considered to be the more difficult of the two nines, due to the tough par-4 and par-3 holes that require accurate tee shots and approach shots. The back nine, while still challenging, offers more birdie opportunities for players who are able to navigate the tree-lined fairways and tricky greens.

One of the key challenges that players will face at Oak Hill is the course’s narrow fairways. Many holes, including the opening hole and the par-4 18th hole, require players to hit their drives accurately to avoid the trees and bunkers that line the fairways. The course’s small greens also provide a challenge, as they require precision on approach shots to avoid the many bunkers that guard them.

Another challenge that players will face at Oak Hill is the course’s undulating greens. Many of the greens are small and steeply sloped, making it difficult to hold approach shots close to the pin. The greens also feature many subtle breaks and contours, which can make putting a challenge for even the most experienced players.

Despite these challenges, Oak Hill also offers players many opportunities to score well. The back nine, in particular, offers several birdie opportunities for players who are able to navigate the course’s tree-lined fairways and tricky greens. The par five 13th hole, for example, offers a chance for players to hit a long drive and then go for the green in two, with a relatively open fairway and a receptive green. The par four 16th hole, meanwhile, provides a risk-reward opportunity for players who are able to hit their drives long and accurately, with a small green that requires an accurate approach shot to avoid the surrounding bunkers.

The 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club promises to test the skills and mettle of the world’s best golfers. The course’s narrow fairways, small greens, and tricky bunkers will provide a challenge for players throughout the tournament. However, the back nine offers several birdie opportunities for those who are able to execute their shots accurately and navigate the course’s undulating greens. With its rich history and classic design, Oak Hill is sure to provide a memorable setting for the 2023 PGA Championship.

Returning Champions: Justin Thomas and Beyond

Last year’s champion, Justin Thomas, will return to defend his crown. Thomas stunned spectators last year when he overcame a seven-shot deficit in the final round and clinched victory in a playoff against Will Zalatoris​​. His performance is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that embodies the PGA Championship.

However, the field is rife with other stellar players. Jon Rahm, Tony Finau, Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler, among others, will be eyeing the prize​. It’s a wide-open field, with each player bringing their unique talents and strategies to the challenging Oak Hill course.

2023 PGA Championship Golfer Profiles

Check out our previews for each of the top golfers competing at Oak Hill this week:

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