Church Pew Bunker: Oakmont’s Famous And Fearsome Sand Trap

The Church Pew bunker is one of the most famous, and intimidating, in golf, with the 110-yard long stretch of sand playing its part in previous Major championships

A general picture of the Church Pew bunkers at Oakmont Country Club
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are many famous bunkers in golf, with one of those featuring at this week's venue for the 125th US Open.

Taking place at Oakmont Country Club, the course possesses a number of unique features, such as the practice putting green sharing the same stretch of turf as the ninth green.

However, it is the sand we are more interested in, particularly the Church Pew Bunker that lies between the third and the fourth fairways.

The Church Pews at Oakmont Country Club from above

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Measuring 110-yards long and 42-yards wide, it spans 26,000-feet and features 13 pews that are all three-feet tall, making the tee shots on the third and fourth holes that little bit more daunting.

In terms of their history, the course was opened in 1903 and, to start with, there were six individual bunkers. However, over time, that design has changed to the one that we know today.

Oakmont has staged 10 US Opens throughout its history and, in terms of the six bunkers, they were converted to six pews between 1927 and 1935, with more pews added over time. At the 1962 US Open, one more was added, with four added in 1994 and 2007.

For 2025, following a course renovation, two more pews have been added to the bunker, bringing the number up to 13.

It is believed that the design and inspiration of the Church Pew Bunker came from Oakmont's founder, Henry Clay Fownes, who got the idea from a similar trap at Springhaven Club in Philadelphia.

Like any bunker, where you finish in the Church Pew will play a big part in what shot you having coming up.

In 2007, Tiger Woods found the Church Pew and, although he got his golf ball out of the bunker, his shot went over the back of the green. He would make a double bogey and that would ultimately cost him a shot at the championship.

Tiger Woods hits a shot out the Church Pew bunker in 2007

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How did the Church Pew Bunker gets it name?

Reportedly, the Church Pew name was derived from the 1962 US Open, with the shape and layout resembling the benches that you would find in a church.

Originally, the bunker was known as 'snake mounds' due to its appearance but, since then, it has been changed to Church Pew.

How big is the Church Pew Bunker?

The Church Pew Bunker is 110-yards long, 42-yards wide and spans 26,000-feet. Apparently, it also consists of 550,000 tonnes of sand!

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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