Five key holes at US Open venue Erin Hills

LOS ANGELES: Five key holes at Erin Hills golf course, where the 2017 US Open will tee off on June 15:

No. 1: 560/608 yards, par-five.

A daunting opening hole shaped like a semi-circle, the biggest hitters will aim to reach the green in two. An undulating fairway however is fraught with risk, and any shot that strays down the left has a good chance of ending in a hazard.

No. 4: 439 yards, par-four.

The hole was transformed after former owner Bob Lang decided to relocate the green in 2009, placing it just above a dune. It is now one of the most challenging holes on the course, likely to punish any approach that falls short by leaving an awkward pitch to the green. Anything hit too long risks rolling into a hazard.

No. 9: 135/150 yards, par-three.

At first glance, the shortest hole at Erin Hills looks straightforward, where no more than an accurate wedge is needed to find the green. The problems begin with seven menacing bunkers that surround the green and a tricky gauntlet of dense, fescue-covered terrain. A cross-wind that blows across the hole is an additional complication.

No.14: 594/650 yards, par-five.

A double-dogleg monster likely to separate the men from the boys, where the boldest players will target reaching the green in two if they are willing to take the risk of attempting to clear an intimidating expanse of fescue that runs down the right hand side of the hole, as well as a large bunkers protecting the front of the green.

No. 18: 622-675 par-five.

A show-stopping finale studded with more than 20 bunkers, the 18th tees off from a slight elevation and usually benefits from a following wind, meaning that a decent drive on firm ground could be in the region of 400 yards. That sets up a tantalising risk-reward option of going for the green, where more bunkers and fescue are waiting to punish errant shots.