US open returns to punishing Oakmont: Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau chase glory

Major golf is typically the preserve of the most accomplished professionals in the sport. The US Open stands out as a uniquely democratic adventure through a comprehensive qualifying system.

Any golfer with a 0.4 handicap index or better is welcome to lay claim to one of the many spots in the field. The 2025 championship accepted a record 10,202 entries, with competitors navigating a rigorous two-stage process beginning with 18-hole local qualifying across 110 sites, followed by 36-hole final qualifying events at 13 venues for those who advance. Sixty-five golfers punched their tickets to Oakmont through the qualification system.
The 125th edition of the US Open, and the 10th at Oakmont Country Club, promises to be blinding thriller as 156 fine golfers set sail to rein in an increasingly dominant Scottie Scheffler and an unforgiving course.

Sailing the tailwinds from winning the PGA Championship and the Memorial, Scheffler is the star. Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, and Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champion will hope to keep their arrows straight as they chase the world No.1 down the lane to glory.

The comprehensive repertoire of Xander Schauffele and the steady irons of Collin Morikawa will also keep the duo in the conversation at Oakmont. Dustin Johnson, the winner of the previous US Open at this venue in 2016, will also fancy his chances, but his recent form on the LIV circuit has been far from impressive.

The US Open’s open qualifying process has produced compelling stories. Amateur Mason Howell turned in an astounding performance, firing 63s to force his way through the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. Frankie Harris, another amateur, battled through qualifying at Emerald Dunes in Florida. Professional Cameron Young, a rising star with near-miss major finishes, secured his place via a playoff at Kinsale Golf Club, adding excitement to his major pursuit.

Tough Course
Oakmont Country Club, a 7,372-yard par-70 course, is renowned for its difficulty. Its greens and fairways, firm and fast, demand precision. The rough, at 5 inches, is thick and unforgiving, punishing errant drives. Greens, running at 15 on the Stimpmeter, are lightning-fast, testing putting skills. The course’s 175 bunkers, including the iconic Church Pews between holes 3 and 4, and narrow fairways amplify the challenge. Expect the scores to be snippets of agony, reflecting the bleeding mayhem from marching a treacherous path to elusive glory. Just a few strokes below par should be enough to contend on Sunday.

The psychological demands of the US Open create a unique crucible that reveals character and separates the gladiators from the invertebrates. Course management and composure are just as vital as accuracy off the tee, and a sharp eye on the pacy, undulating greens.

Alpha Male
The steady hand and calm mind of Scheffler seem like just the tools necessary to thrive at Oakmont. The American is gaining 3.5 strokes to the round in his past five events, and his disciplined effort at Muirfield (nothing fancy, 70-70-68-70) underlines why he will enter the week as the Alpha male.

There was anticipation that McIlroy, free in the mind after completing his set of majors, might play fearless golf. But evidence from the PGA Championship (T47) and the Canadian Open (MC) suggests that he is battling his satiated cells for motivation. We might be in store for a special spectacle if he rises up to the gruelling demands in Pittsburgh.

DeChambeau, the two-time US Open champion (2020, 24), has been rock solid in the majors. He was inside the top ten in five of the last six majors. He has been putting well recently, but Oakmont punishes the slightest drift off the tee, and DeChambeau might find this hard to deal with this week.

Much has been made of Jon Rahm’s top ten streak (21) on LIV Golf. Importantly though, Rahm was tied for the lead on Sunday at Quail Hollow before suffering an uncharacteristic meltdown over the final three holes. The Spaniard will be eager to erase those memories and prove yet again that he belongs with the best. Rahm has two top ten finishes in the last three majors, and a T14 in the Masters this April. Oakmont will afford Rahm just the inspiration he needs to reclaim some territory from his PGA Tour rivals.

Schauffele has an astounding record in the US Open. In eight attempts, the lowest finish is a T14 in 2022. The two-time major champion secured a top 10 on every other visit to the tournament. He will bring that confidence to Oakmont, and his ability to thrive on setups that demand all round brilliance. Expect him to force his way into the conversation again on Sunday even if it might not be enough to take the whole cake.

On the LIV Golf side of the ropes, Joaquin Niemann will tee off yet again trying to prove his detractors wrong. He has won four events this season, but he might draw the most inspiration from a T8 in the PGA Championship, his best result in a major.

Be ready to spill some popcorn on the couch and carpet. You will agonise with the best and shrivel in fear and frustration as Oakmont wreaks havoc, drawing blood and tears from the very best. Thankfully, you can kneel and pray as the players walk in trepidation between the third and fourth holes, past the Church Pews. It is an iconic 100-yard hazard with a dozen ridges, and a poignant passage of redemption or dereliction at the Oakmont Country Club.