Collin Morikawa Details Hilarious Experience with 300-Yard Par-3 at US Open

The Oakmont Country Club course is wreaking havoc on the US Open field, and the tournament hasn’t even begun. Every competitor has spoken about the tough conditions that will greet the third major of the season.

One of the main focal points has been the eighth hole, a par-3 that measures an impressive 300 yards. Collin Morikawa was surprised by this hole, and a hilarious situation arose when he scouted it:

“I completely forgot that that was the long par-3,” Morikawa confessed during his pre-event press conference.

“I honestly asked Joe [Greiner], my caddie, and everyone in the group, I was like, ‘is this like a — do you go for this par-4 or do you lay up?’ I recommend going for it.”

Now aware that it is actually a par-3, Morikawa detailed how he will approach that hole:

“Probably hit driver or 3-wood and hopefully hit the green. If not, make up-and-down,” he said.

“Honestly, there’s not a ton of strategy other than like hitting your driver within 15 yards or your 3-wood within 15 yards.”

The 8th hole at Oakmont is not for the faint of heart. According to TalkSport, it’s the longest par-3 in US Open history, reportedly measuring 300 yards at its longest. However, that estimate may be an understatement.

“I promise you we’ll play it at 301 this year,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, according to TalkSport.

This monster has earned its reputation over time for good reason. The last time the US Open was held there, the eighth hole saw 24 birdies, 132 bogeys, and 12 double bogeys.

As if its breathtaking length weren’t challenging enough, the hole features several other hazards, including the aptly named “Sahara” bunker.

And, to kill any hope players may have left, they will face this giant knowing what awaits them is even worse. In fact, according to Golfweek, the 8th hole didn’t even rank in the top five most difficult holes in 2016.

Suddenly, Morikawa’s philosophy on how to approach the eighth hole makes tremendous sense, right?:

“Just hit and hope, honestly,” he said. “It’s a hole I’ll take four pars right now and walk away.”

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