Oakmont East: Unearthing the Lost History Beside the U.S. Open
As golf enthusiasts gear up for this week’s U.S.Open at the formidable Oakmont Country Club, a lesser-known piece of golfing history lies just next door. It’s the story of Oakmont East, once a vibrant public golf course.
But what happened to oakmont east? Many fans are unaware that this U.S. Open venue once shared its grounds with a now-vanished 18-hole neighbor that was open to everyone.
The Rise and Fall of Oakmont East
Established in 1938, Oakmont East was the brainchild of Emil Loeffler, then the greenskeeper and golf professional at Oakmont. Loeffler, who also designed other courses in the Pittsburgh area, envisioned Oakmont East as an accessible option for golfers of all levels.
This public course served golfers for decades, but its fate changed during the build-up to the 1962 U.S. Open. Oakmont Country Club, needing additional parking space for the championship, acquired Oakmont East.
A Testing Ground for Champions
Oakmont East was not just a parking lot annex for the U.S. Open. Seasoned Oakmont members fondly remember it as a meticulously maintained course. It featured small, demanding greens, making it an ideal warm-up for Oakmont’s prestigious club championship.
Scorecards from the 1960s show Oakmont East measured 5,496 yards, with each nine playing to a par of 35, a par 70 in total.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Par | 70 |
| Yardage | 5,496 |
| Holes | 18 |
The Final Years
In the early 2000s, Oakmont East ceased operations as a public course. Its use became limited to Oakmont members and residents of a local senior center.
One intriguing proposal came from Chick Wagner,a long-time Oakmont member. He suggested leasing Oakmont East for a dollar and maintaining it in a rustic style akin to traditional Scottish common grounds courses, using grazing animals. The club declined.
By the early 2010s, Oakmont East closed entirely, marking the end of an era.
A Gift Shop Remnant
While the course itself is gone, memories of Oakmont East persist.The original clubhouse still stands and it has been repurposed. For the past two years, it has served as a U.S. Open gift shop, a poignant reminder of the course’s past.
The Importance of Preserving Golfing History
The story of Oakmont east underscores the importance of preserving golfing history. Courses, like Oakmont East, represent more than just land; they embody the spirit of the sport, and offer a glimpse into the past.
Pro Tip: Research local golf courses in your area to discover their unique histories. You might be surprised by what you find!
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakmont East
- What was Oakmont East?
- Oakmont East was a public golf course located next to Oakmont Country Club, the site of numerous U.S. Open championships.
- Who designed Oakmont East?
- Emil Loeffler, who also served as Oakmont’s greenskeeper and golf professional, designed Oakmont East.
- When did Oakmont purchase Oakmont east?
- Oakmont acquired Oakmont East in the lead-up to the 1962 U.S. Open, primarily for parking purposes.
- Why did Oakmont East close?
- Oakmont East was initially closed to the public in the early 2000s and then shut down entirely in the early 2010s.
- What is Oakmont East used for now?
- The land that once housed Oakmont East is now primarily a field. The original clubhouse has been repurposed as a U.S. Open gift shop in recent years.
- Was Oakmont East a challenging course?
- Yes, former players recall Oakmont East as a well-maintained course with small, challenging greens, making it a good practice ground for Oakmont’s club championship.
- Where was Oakmont East located?
- The course was located adjacent to the famed Oakmont Country Club, with a portion of its land stretching to the right of Oakmont’s third hole.
What are your favorite stories about ancient golf courses? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
