Here is the summary of hole 2.

The second hole is a perfect illustration of how the original course design and the modern course differ in their physical appearance and style of play.  Though the second is vastly different than its original iteration (and inferior, but that’s for a different discussion), it is among the most challenging on the course.  The tee shot from the back tees is intimidating to most mortals with a creek and two bunkers appearing to be right in the landing zone.  The real danger though is the narrow chute that is created by the numerous hardwoods on either side of the fairway.  The creek and bunkers are non-factors unless a ball caroms off of a sylvan defender.  More than likely the longer hitters will hit 3 wood off of the tee to assure a shot from the fairway.
The approach on this hole is dictated by the trees.  The narrow chute only allows a straight shot, unless you are lucky enough to find a lie on either side of the fairway.  Then the opportunity exists to try and work the ball to the pin position.  A slight slope from the right side of the hole could influence the shot of the player into the green.  The hole plays into the prevailing wind so being aware of the breeze above the trees is critical.  More often than not, the players will be hitting a short iron into this green.  
The green is one of the smoothest on the front side of the course.  Four bunkers protect it at the corners of the squarish-shaped putting surface.  So accuracy is rewarded.  If the player selects the wrong club on the approach then they could very well find themselves in the front bunkers or in the stream that runs behind the putting surface.  The most difficult pins will be in the back right or front right.

From the SHCC website:
This is perhaps the most demanding driving hole on the golf course with a 225-yard carry over the bunkers and a winding creek that turns and parallels the fairway. A long-iron second shot is required to reach this well-bunkered green.

Again, Kalen will post photos shortly.  Hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to post photos by the time this is done.

Thanks for the help Kalen.

Here is the link to the first hole.

On the other hand, this is the kind of tree I don't mind.  Its handsome without low branches and with short grass under it.  It impedes play, but there is a recovery available.

Chris, why the bunkers next to the creek?  This strikes me as a fairly rare design element for a classical archie.  

Ciao

Speaking of bunkers, I tend to like these simple "roundish" forms which are found at Southern Hills and other Maxwell designs in the area.  Is this his style or someone else on his staff or maybe even in the field at the time who implemented this.  Or, perhaps they evolved from more shaggy edged forms into this shape overtime.

And we can confirm the presence of a bench on the third tee.

Tom

Someone sent me the information to try and post images and where to save them at.  Here is an attempt to put a version of the Southern Hills map up so everyone can see it.  The first hole plays just tick west of due north.

By the way, the map is courtesy of my friend David Lewis.  If you are interested in viewing more of his maps, go to artistsgolf.com

OK, the first was an easy opener, and this one, though difficult, is a shadow of its former self. How soon do we get into any holes with real meat?

While there have been brief mentions of the changes made on this hole and I expect later holes, can Chris or someone please give an account as to the original nature of this hole design and the remaining course (as the hole analysis continues) and what changes were made and the reasons for the changes?

Such a discussion would be a lot more interesting than considering Matt Ward's statement as to where the course "really begins."  

Chris,

The interest/difficulty of the opening hole at Oakmont is a lot more involved than the front to back slope of the green.  It is long and narrow.  Even with a 60* wedge, that's a hard green to hold if you hit the wrong section.  Left of center for instance makes the ball shed left, while a long iron is likely going over the green.

Chris,

The routing image gave me a whole new respect for the course with the constant turn of holes. I really liked the way the course double looped on the front nine. Very interesting routing.

At Oakmont, we saw the need to play down the fairway between the penal fairway bunkers. Will that be a constant theme here? That is the need to stay in the fairway to keep away from tree trouble? Which would be easier to hit the exciting recovery from? Oakmont hazards, or SH trees?