Sam's rough 'n' tumble

SAM WALKER knows how punishing Oakmont can be - he once shot an 89 there at the US Open.

- By Neil Squires

The cheerful Brummie - now an HGV driver - came through qualifying at Walton Heath in 2007 to compete in his first Major but it proved to be the challenge of a lifetime.

Every hole played over par that week - even winner Angel Cabrera was five over.

“Lee Westwood warned me: 'Oakmont is so hard' and it was the toughest course I've ever played,” said Walker, who retired from pro golf in 2018.