Hole 12 at Oakmont Country Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 667 yds
- Stroke index
- 2
- Hazards
- 13 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 36 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 667 yards
The plan for No. 12
Oakmont Country Club's 12th hole stands as a true test of endurance and precision, stretching 667 yards through the legendary Pennsylvania countryside that has challenged golf's greatest champions since 1903. This demanding par 5 presents a deceptively straightforward layout that rewards strategic thinking over pure power. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, but the real challenge emerges on the lengthy approach to a small, subtly contoured green that demands pinpoint accuracy. Without significant hazards to distract, golfers must focus entirely on distance control and course management across this marathon hole. The 12th epitomizes Oakmont's philosophy of testing every aspect of a player's game through sheer length and unforgiving green complexes.
Off the tee
Launch your opening shot with your most reliable driver, focusing on finding the center of the fairway rather than chasing maximum distance. The straight layout allows you to aim directly down the middle without worrying about doglegs or severe trouble. Position yourself in the prime landing zone around 280-300 yards out to set up the most manageable second shot angle. Avoid the temptation to overcook the drive – a well-struck shot in play is infinitely better than a longer shot from rough or an awkward lie.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends entirely on your remaining distance and personal capabilities. Stronger players might attempt to reach the green in two with a fairway wood or long iron, but the small target makes this a high-risk proposition. Most golfers should treat this as a positioning shot, advancing the ball 150-200 yards to set up a comfortable wedge distance for the third shot. Aim for the center-left portion of the fairway to open up the best angle to the small green on your approach.
On the green
The small green size makes every approach shot critical – there's little margin for error once you're putting. Focus on lag putting to avoid three-putts, as the length of the hole often leaves players with lengthy first putts. Without specific hazards around the green, missing slightly short or long won't result in penalty strokes, but getting up and down becomes much more challenging. Read putts carefully, as Oakmont's greens are notoriously quick and subtle. ## RISK VS REWARD The risk/reward calculation here is straightforward: going for the green in two offers birdie or eagle potential but requires two absolutely perfect shots. The small target makes this a low-percentage play for most golfers. The smarter approach is three solid shots – driver, positioning iron, and wedge – which virtually guarantees par with birdie opportunities if you execute well. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers**: Can consider the aggressive two-shot approach if conditions are favorable and confidence is high. Focus on course management and avoid the temptation to force shots that aren't there. **High Handicappers**: Embrace the three-shot strategy completely. Use your most reliable clubs on each shot, prioritizing accuracy over distance. A bogey here isn't a disaster given the hole's difficulty – focus on avoiding the big number that can derail an entire round. The key to conquering this beast is patience and precision. Let the hole's length work in your favor by taking what it gives you rather than forcing heroic shots that rarely pay off.
Watch for
- Crossing center
Hole 12 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,607 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Oakmont Country Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
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How did Hole 12 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 667 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 667 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 12?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5.
How big is the green on hole 12?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 12?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.