The 1974 U.S. Open, better known as the “Massacre at Winged Foot,” has become a touchstone in the debate over what a golf championship should be. Depending on your perspective, it’s either the U.S. Open at its best or the U.S. Open at its worst. With the national championship returning to Winged Foot this week, we ask what it means for a tournament venue to be insanely difficult. Our guests for this episode are Hale Irwin, Neil Regan, Mark Mulvoy, and Jeremy Schaap, reading from his father’s classic book about the tournament.Brought to you by the U.S. Open Victory Club.

Produced and hosted by Garrett Morrison.

Edited and engineered by J Vierck.

Transcript assistance from Jay Fischl.

Music by Blue Dot Sessions.