US Open 2025: Golf Legends Explain Why Oakmont Is The Toughest Course To Conquer

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US Open: Rory McIlroy has finally claimed the Masters title, completing his career Grand Slam. Scottie Scheffler, meanwhile, secured the PGA Championship, reaffirming his status as a top golfer.

Despite their achievements, the spotlight at the upcoming U.S. Open is on Oakmont. This course, designed by Henry Fownes in 1903, is renowned for its challenging nature, often compared to Pittsburgh Steel in toughness.

Oakmont will host the U.S. Open for the tenth time from June 12-15, more than any other venue in the championship's 130-year history. John Bodenhamer of the USGA remarked, "There are certain places in our game where you stand on the first tee and you look out over the landscape, and it's just meant to play the U.S. Open. Oakmont is that place." Its reputation for difficulty is legendary among golfers.

US Open: Oakmont's Reputation and Challenges

Players visiting Oakmont before the tournament have shared stories of its deep rough and slick greens. Videos show golf balls nearly disappearing in thick grass. Justin Thomas noted, "I would say all of the rumours and everything are pretty on point," after visiting Oakmont ahead of the Memorial Tournament.

Xander Schauffele, who has consistently performed well in U.S. Opens, hasn't played at Oakmont yet but understands its reputation. He described it as a "battle" and said success requires discipline over 72 holes. "The cliché statement of golf is a marathon — it seems to be the most true feeling when you play at U.S. Opens," Schauffele added.

Defending Champion and Past Performances

Bryson DeChambeau returns as the defending champion after winning at Pinehurst No. 2 last year. His victory was marked by breaking par alongside seven others on a course known for its domed greens and sandy fairways. DeChambeau also set a scoring record at Winged Foot with a score of 274, winning by six strokes.

Jordan Spieth views Oakmont as an opportunity to redefine what makes a U.S. Open challenging: narrow fairways, deep rough, and tough greens. He highlighted Oakmont's famous "Church Pew" bunkers between the third and fourth fairways as part of its unique challenge.

Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Tournament

Spieth explained that missing fairways at Oakmont makes par difficult to achieve, even if players hit them accurately. He believes this course offers a chance to reset perceptions of past tournaments: "It's the easiest Open for the USGA," he said, noting that minimal adjustments are needed to maintain its difficulty.

Scottie Scheffler made his U.S. Open debut at age 19 but missed the cut despite an impressive first round. Now a three-time major champion, he recently won both the PGA Championship and Memorial Tournament by significant margins.

Scheffler's recent success comes despite an unusual injury from cutting ravioli with a wine glass on Christmas Day. He has since regained form, winning three out of his last four tournaments.

Phil Mickelson's Quest for Career Grand Slam

Phil Mickelson will tackle Oakmont for possibly his last chance at completing a career Grand Slam. He missed cuts there twice before and finished far behind in 1994. The U.S. Open remains elusive for Mickelson among major championships.

DeChambeau approaches this year's tournament with a simple strategy: focus on executing shots correctly while avoiding three-putts and staying out of rough areas. This approach aligns with traditional U.S. Open strategies emphasizing precision over power.

The fast greens at Oakmont demand careful putting akin to Augusta National's challenges during Masters tournaments—another reason why this course stands out as one of golf's toughest tests.

With inputs from PTI/AP