Oakmont preparing for rain as U.S. Open nears

The players are beginning to take the course at Oakmont Country Club.

With the U.S. Open play beginning Thursday. The greens are playing fast and grounds management considers the course to be in good shape.

But weather forecasts have scattered rain and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday and possibly continuing through Friday. Brad Rehak, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said there is a 50 percent chance of storms Wednesday, 70 percent Thursday and down to 30 percent Friday.

“There will be scattered thunderstorms,” Rehak said. “Dryer weather arrives Friday later in the day, and it should stay dry for the rest of the weekend.”

Grounds superintendent John Zimmers is aware of the possibility of rain changing the course for the Open. He was pleased with how the course was looking Monday, but the weather forecast might change how he and his staff prepare the course.

“Our concern now is the rain they are saying is coming Wednesday and Thursday,” Zimmers said. ”Just need to prepare for it.”

Jordan Spieth acknowledged that rain could significantly change the course.

“If the fairways are softer, it’s going to be a lot easier to hold them, which makes a huge difference because of how much pitch is in these fairways,” Spieth said.

He added that direction is a major part of playing Oakmont and that rain can add some leeway for golfers to miss a little and still end up in the fairway.

“Yeah, if it doesn’t change, it will be over par,” Spieth said. “If it does, if it rains, you can shoot under par.”

Oakmont takes a thorough route to maintaining the course. Much of the course is hand watered and it is evaluated throughout the day for the next choice of action. If rain is imminent, Zimmers will need to avoid watering the course to remain in line with his goals of a fast course.

“The dryer the better,” Zimmers said.

Brody Miller: bmiller@post-gazette.com.