2009 US PGA Championship Golf Course - The first 9 Holes

A view of the first green at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the site of the 2004 Ryder Cup Matches

Hole 1- Par 4, 490 yard

Miss your drive and you're likely to land up in one of the several bunkers that define the fairway but if you happen to land in the rough instead, then simply keeping the shot on the green will be a difficult challenge. The wind's strength and direction will be the decider on how aggressive you can be. An accurate approach shot is a must as the green has obvious tiers and a slight slip may well mean a three putt instead of a birdie.

Hole 2 - Par 4, 431 yards

Birdies abound on this dogleg left as long as you drive strongly around the corner. Then it should be a relatively easy wedge to the green but beware of a relocated fairway bunker, a new addition for the 2009 US PGA Championship. The hole is also located behind dominant sand traps on the front left of the green.

Hole 3 - Par 5, 633 yards

Described as a "true three-shot hole" the drive should be as straight as an arrow, missing bunkers on the left and robust rough on the right. A secure second shot should be played to a level spot that leaves little to do except get up onto the unusually large green.

Hole 4 - Par 3, 210 yards

Although short, a shelf at the back of the green which is surrounded by gaping bunkers, makes it difficult to hold but the real tester is a dramatic slope in front of the green that can easily turn an inaccurate tee shot into an unenviable bogey..

Hole 5 - Par 4, 448 yards

The hole has been increased by 40 yards recently and the longest of hitters can attempt to get over the threatening bunkers. However, should the ball fall short, it will normally land left in some of the thickets rough on the course. A narrow green, surrounded by bunkers is the consummate championship challenge.

Hole 6 - Par 4, 405 yards

Avoid the trees on either side of a narrow fairway and you should be able to get onto the long green located between water on the left and sand traps on the right. Those who opt to lay up, need to challenge the hazards or simply end up miles from the hole.

Hole 7 - Par 5, 572 yards

The shortest par 5 of the course can either be played bravely by gunning for the green in two - but the pond on the left may make this strategy rather tricky - or more cautiously by laying up and hopefully making birdie with good wedge play. The green is located downwind and may be difficult to hold if you opt to play like Braveheart.

Hole 8 - Par 3, 176 yards

Although the yardage appears really easy for the gurus of golf, the tiny green, literally surrounded by hazards is a tough challenge. Thos who attempt to beat par are usually humbled pretty quickly!

Hole 9 - Par 4, 432 yards

One of the more difficult driving holes of the championship course has become even trickier, with the introduction of bunkers closer to the green. Accuracy is a prerequisite when aiming uphill to a green that's difficult to spot.