Golf Digest HOT LIST BIASED????

Very much so. I think the intimidation factor that a lot of people feel playing against someone who's actually very good is significant. I know that Winged Foot pride themselves on the strength of the club. I think they have something like 40-50 players who are plus something. Club championships there are pretty competitive. Can't imagine Oakmont isn't similar. The more I think about this, the more likely it seems that this club is legit. Winning also breeds confidence and I'm sure the other clubs when they play this one are expecting to lose - that can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Ah ok I misunderstood. But you did bring to light an oversight on my part.

I was agreeing with you/jumping off from there.

Who? 

I don't think anyone would suggest that Oakmont's CR is for vanity. I meant to write "could end up hurting them." If a golf course is just legitimately hard, it's going to spit out hardened golfers.