The storied venue outside Pittsburgh hosts a record ninth U.S. Open, and provides a brutal backdrop for the year's second major.
Oakmont Country Club is often called the "hardest" course in golf, and the tournament will be packed with compelling storylines.
Phil Mickelson, who will turn 46 on Thursday's opening round, is vying to finally win a U.S. Open after a record six runner-up spots.
Victory would complete the career grand slam of all four major titles, and make him the oldest champion ahead of 45-year-old Hale Irwin, but the veteran left hander has not won since the 2013 British Open.
The world's top three players -- Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy -- resume their battle for supremacy, all hoping to add to their major hauls and enhance their status in the history of the game.
Can surprise Masters champion Danny Willett prove he is not a one-major wonder, or will another unsung player step into the limelight?
Will Oakmont live up to its roguish reputation?
"It's probably the hardest course in the world on any given day without messing with the set up," Australian Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 champion, told CNN's Living Golf.
The U.S. Open is often seen as the toughest of golf's four majors to win, with tight fairways, thick rough, slick greens and punishing pin placements. Par is considered a good score.
