WHERE THE U.S OPEN WILL BE WON … AND LOST

Every good golf course has a selection of holes that will ultimately determine the outcome of a tournament. And while Erin Hills is spectacular in its length, it cannot be overcome with brute force alone. Tactical nuance and shot-shaping is vital. Most holes feature doglegs, and there is an abundance of blind shots – both from the tee and into the greens. These are some of the holes where this year’s US Open could be won or lost.

1st Hole: The opening hole at Erin Hills is a par-5 that stretches out over 600 yards and doglegs from right to left. The fairway slopes towards wetlands, and the green is best approached along the ground. The first hole at any major championship is always telling.

2nd Hole: The shortest par-4 on the course measures 358 yards. It’s a tactical hole, and positioning off the tee is crucial to ensure you don’t leave yourself with a blind approach shot. The left side of the fairway is where you want to be. It will be interesting to see if any of the long hitters attempt to drive the elevated green. Early birdie chance.

4th Hole: The approach into this shallow green is likely to be the toughest iron shot a player is asked to play at Erin Hills. Hitting the fairway off the tee is crucial at this 439-yard par-4, where thick rough and bunkers await any mis-hit.

7th Hole: This is the hardest hole on the scorecard and a genuine three-shot par-5 at 607 yards. The green (pictured above) slopes from side-to-side (like the 3rd, 10th and 14th holes) and birdies should prove rare.

9th Hole: A 165-yard par-3 that is recognised as the signature hole at Erin Hills. While short, it is deceptively dangerous and features a treacherous back-left bunker. A clustering of other sand traps surround the green, and the elevated tee shot is well exposed to the wind, which will make club choice difficult.

14th Hole: Where fortune favours the brave. This 613-yard par-5 is a beast, and doglegs both left and right. Thick rough guards the sloping green from those attempting to hit it in two, while those laying up face a blind approach shot. Expect a range of scores here.

18th Hole: A fitting finish to Erin Hills at an incredible 663 yards (pictured below). Even Dustin Johnson will struggle to hit the green in two at the course’s longest hole. It has the potential to cause drama come Sunday.