Oakmont stands as one of golf’s most daunting arenas, a course synonymous with punishment and precision. As the 125th US Open gets underway in rural Pennsylvania, players are bracing themselves for what promises to be a war of attrition. With rough exceeding five inches and greens that tilt toward madness, the week ahead will test both physical resilience and mental endurance.
The US Open is known for its unforgiving nature, and Oakmont doubles down on that tradition. A 288-yard par three is just one example of the challenges designed to expose even the most skilled professionals. The expectation isn’t just to score well it’s to survive.
Only a small handful of players have ever finished under par at this venue in a major, highlighting the severity of the test. The course revels in its reputation, even selling T-shirts bearing the quote: “Let the clumsy, the spineless, the alibi artist stand aside.” That ethos is evident in every brutal slope and narrow landing area.
The conditions have already rattled a few competitors. Complaints about the greens being overly contoured and unpredictable haven’t moved the tournament organizers. Instead, the response is a stoic belief that the challenge must be as intense and unyielding as possible. Every club in the bag and the player’s mental strength will be called upon.
Some players appear better equipped than others to handle the chaos. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives with a calm mindset and precise iron play that should serve him well. He has yet to conquer the less forgiving major venues, but his poise under pressure makes him a strong contender.
Rory McIlroy enters in a curious position. Fresh off his Masters victory, he is struggling to recapture momentum. Meanwhile, his close friend Shane Lowry and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose both seem in tune with the demands of Oakmont. Others to watch include Collin Morikawa, Corey Conners, and Russell Henley. Xander Schauffele, working back from injury, remains a wild card with the talent to contend.
Weather may influence outcomes. Rain expected on Friday and Saturday could soften the course, allowing for more manageable scoring. If conditions remain dry, however, an over-par champion is entirely possible, echoing past results like Ángel Cabrera’s +5 win in 2007.
Away from the greens and bunkers, the sport’s politics simmer. Disputes over the proposed golf ball rollback, set for 2028, continue to divide governing bodies and tours. Yet for now, all eyes shift to the present the raw, unrelenting grind of Oakmont. Over four days, glory will not come easy. It will be earned through patience, pain, and perseverance.
