One of the most famous courses in the U.S. will play host to the 2025 U.S. Open. Oakmont Country Club has hosted nine U.S. Opens, dating back to 1927, and will host its 10th beginning June 12.
The 150-man field includes some of the biggest names in the sport, along with others who have fought hard for a spot. The U.S. Open offers chances for any golfer, professional or amateur, to battle against each other to earn a spot to prove themselves. The hardest test in golf, the U.S. Open, is no walk in the park for any golfer, so no player in the field will be excluded from the winner’s conversation. Unfortunately, for the amateurs that make the field, experience will be a big factor when it comes to maneuvering a golf course like Oakmont Country Club. The challenge that the U.S. Open showcases is great for golf fanatics, but the players will suffer at the expense of putting on a great tournament.
Deep-Rooted History
In 1903, Henry C. Fownes purchased 191 acres of land in the Oakmont borough for $78,500. This would mark the beginning of Oakmont Country Club. On October 1, 1904, all 18 holes of the historic golf course were completed using inspiration from the Scottish links. Despite not being built near a body of water, Oakmont still remains a difficult test of golf to this day. Fownes’ son, Henry C. Fownes Jr, brought the course to fame due to his success as an amateur golfer in Western Pennsylvania. By 1916, Oakmont had grown large enough to host its first important tournament, the Intercollegiate National Championship.
The strategic layout of Oakmont Country Club leaves players with many different decisions to make. With 175 bunkers on property, there is essentially nowhere to miss except the short grass on this course. Included in the 175 are the famous ‘Church-Pew’ bunkers stretching roughly 100 yards with rows of grass ridges resembling Church Pews. While the greens are abnormally large, the undulations make for an extremely difficult test when players end up in the wrong spot. Along with the undulations, the green speed make it nearly impossible for players to hold the green, especially with a long iron or wood.
During past tournaments, Oakmont will grow out its rough to over five inches, making the fairway that much more of an advantage. With rough that thick, players will need a serious amount of speed to advance the ball near the green, let alone back into the fairway. Struggling to make pars on a golf course like this is a very common occurrence, even for seasoned professionals. Expect players in the field to struggle, especially with how long the course is going to play.
Flashback
Dustin Johnson walked away from Oakmont with the championship medal and trophy in 2016. On Sunday, with a three-shot lead, Johnson made a par on the 16th hole that essentially sealed the deal. Nevertheless, he made a birdie on the 18th after hitting his approach close to finish his final round at -1. With two players ahead of Johnson going into Sunday, his championship feat became very impressive. Shane Lowry finished Saturday’s round at -7 for the tournament, one of the lowest 54-hole scores in Oakmont U.S. Open history. Lowry struggled mightily on the greens all day Sunday, leading him to shoot +6 and lose to Johnson. Jim Furyk, at 45 years old, climbed way up the leaderboard on Sunday, shooting -4 (66) to finish tied for second.
On Sunday, Dustin Johnson was given a one-shot penalty after his ball moved on the green without him touching it. Johsnon was told as he played that the USGA would asses the situation after the round, where he was given a penalty. Players were outraged, but Johnson calmly stated, “Luckily, it didn’t affect the outcome, it’s just one more thing to add to the list, right?”
Luke Donald and other pros made comments on Johnson’s ruling, seeing how the USGA ignored common sense. The speed and curvature of the greens could easily make a golf ball roll on its own, without human interference. The lightning-fast pace of the greens of Oakmont caused many problems for the field in 2016, especially with dry weather. As the competition grows stronger, curiosity builds for who will win in 2025 and what the winning score will be.
At Their Best
Coming off a victory at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, world #1 Scottie Scheffler is the favorite. However, last year’s U.S. Open Champion Bryson Dechambeau opens as the third-favorite to win and go back-to-back. Rory McIlroy goes into Oakmont with the second-best odds, even after a tough week at Quail Hollow. While the favorites are enticing, the last five U.S. Open champions have not been inside the top five for best pre-tournament odds. At a course like Oakmont, hitting fairways off the tee, and greens from the fairway will be crucial. Scottie Scheffler runs the table, leading the tour in shots gained from tee-to-green and other major categories. The players with the best stats in these categories are not to be ignored at such a difficult championship like the U.S. Open.
The driving accuracy leader on the PGA Tour this season, with 73.4%, is Aaron Rai, whose odds are 66-1 to win. Shots gained off the tee is led by Rory McIlroy due to his impressive driving distance, but he will need to keep it in the fairway to win. At 71.4%, Sepp Straka leads the field in greens in regulation, which will be a helpful asset at Oakmont with the thick rough. Judging from past U.S. Opens at Oakmont, it seems that successful putting is a necessity to score well. Ludvig Aberg is strong at avoiding three-putts from short distances, which will give him a great chance on the greens. Sunjae Im puts the ball in the hole quickly, averaging 27.5 putts per 18 holes, which leads the tour.
With all of these tremendous feats from this season, this tournament is anybody’s to win. For any professional, this win will feel like their greatest achievement.
Jean Moody
June 16, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Great Job D.J.!