As the build-up continues ahead of the US Open at Oakmont, golf fans have been left less than impressed.
While Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy lead the charge for the third major of the year, the gates have been opened and images have emerged showing the price of food and drink at the venue.
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There is plenty on offer at OakmontCredit: @NUCLRGOLF
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Tyrrell Hatton is chasing a first major title
The price of beer has left fans taken aback, while the full menu has drawn criticism, not least because all items are substantially more expensive than at Augusta National for The Masters.
Patrons attending The Masters are able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner without breaking the bank, with prices remaining steady over the years.
The classic pimento cheese sandwich will set you back just $1.50, a breakfast sandwich is a bargain at $3, and the most expensive item on the Augusta menu is a beer or glass of wine, which cost $6 each.
The comparisons between prices at Augusta and Oakmont are glaring, and if you’re a spectator in Pennsylvania this week, you could be in for a shock at feeding time.
If you’re peckish early and fancy a breakfast sandwich (sausage, egg and cheese on an English muffin), you’ll be forking out $7.95.
The ‘favourites’ options top out at $13.95 for a Philly Cheesesteak roll, while a basic hot dog costs $7.59.
You’ll only get five cents in change when you hand over $2 for a banana, while a bottle of water is just south of $5.
A beer at Oakmont is double the price of Augusta, although alcoholic beverages are cheaper than those served at Quail Hollow during last month’s PGA Championship.
However, all food and non-alcoholic drinks in Charlotte were free, having been included in the price of the daily tickets.
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McIlroy was champion at Augusta but form has been patchy sinceCredit: Getty
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Scheffler was at his masterful best to claim the PGA Championship earlier this monthCredit: Getty
Unsurprisingly, golf fans have taken to social media to express their dismay at Oakmont’s high prices, with many drawing comparisons to the Masters and the PGA Championship.
“Another reason why The Masters is the major of majors,” said one user. “11 bucks for a beer?”
“Not exactly ‘Augusta friendly,” added another, while one gentleman wrote: “How is water more expensive than a soda?
“A banana is $2, and a Mexican beer being the official beer of the US Open? This is crazy.”
Many critics were angered that a bottle of water is costing more than the fizzy soft-drink options, and although there were a handful of people who insisted the prices were reasonable, the majority of fans were not impressed.
However, there were ominous warnings from some forward-thinking observers, who pointed out that everything on the Oakmont menu will look like excellent value.
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That is in comparison to what will be on offer at Bethpage in September, with prices for food and drink during Ryder Cup week expected to go through the roof.
Play gets underway on Thursday in Pennsylvania, with McIlroy and Scheffler the winners of the opening two majors of the year.
McIlroy ended a decade long wait to compete the career Grand Slam with victory at Augusta, but last time out recorded his worst ever performance on the PGA Tour.
Scheffler, in contrast, has won twice since the Masters including his third major title when he swept to victory at the PGA Championship.
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