The US Open, one of golf’s most grueling and prestigious majors, tees off tomorrow, June 12, 2025, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. This year marks the 125th edition of the championship, and the buzz is electric as the world’s top golfers prepare to tackle a course notorious for its punishing layout. With Scottie Scheffler favored to claim the title and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau eyeing a repeat, the stage is set for a thrilling week. Recent news highlights the course’s brutal setup, with thick rough and lightning-fast greens promising to test every player’s skill and patience.
Oakmont’s Brutal Challenge at the US Open
Oakmont, hosting its record 10th US Open, is no stranger to creating golfing legends and heartbreak. The course, a par-70 stretching 7,382 yards, has undergone recent bunker modifications and green expansions to amplify its difficulty. Reports indicate rough exceeding five inches and greens running at 15+ on the stimpmeter, setting the stage for a winning score likely over par. Players like Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott endured a punishing practice round, with McIlroy struggling to adapt after driver issues at the recent Canadian Open. The course’s reputation for precision means accuracy off the tee and on approach shots will be critical.
Favorites and Contenders to Watch
The US Open always draws a stacked field, and 2025 is no exception. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, enters as the +275 favorite, the shortest odds since Tiger Woods in 2009. Fresh off a PGA Championship win, Scheffler’s consistency makes him a formidable force, though his US Open record includes missed cuts at Oakmont. Rory McIlroy, at +550, seeks redemption after a missed cut in Canada, hampered by a non-conforming driver. Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champion, has sparked buzz with new LA Golf Proto irons, aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Brooks Koepka in 2018. Other names like Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele also loom large, each with strong major pedigrees.
| Player | Odds | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | +275 | Won PGA Championship, T2 at Memorial |
| Rory McIlroy | +550 | Missed cut at Canadian Open, Masters win |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +900 | Defending US Open champ, T4 at LIV event |
Surprising Absences and Rising Stars
The US Open field is diverse, with nearly half comprised of qualifiers, including 17-year-old Mason Howell, one of the youngest competitors ever. However, notable names like Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, and Will Zalatoris will miss out. Fowler fell short in a playoff during final qualifying, while Homa struggled at the same event. Zalatoris, sidelined by back surgery, won’t compete, nor will Billy Horschel, recovering from hip surgery. On the flip side, qualifiers like Ryan Fox, who earned his spot via a playoff win at the Canadian Open, and an Indiana dentist who turned pro after qualifying, add fresh narratives to the tournament.
LIV Golf’s Strong Presence
The US Open welcomes 14 LIV Golf players, including heavyweights like DeChambeau, Koepka, and Jon Rahm. Joaquin Niemann secured his spot through a new USGA exemption for top LIV performers, having won three events this season. Dustin Johnson, the 2016 Oakmont champion, also returns, adding intrigue to the PGA-LIV crossover. This mix of talent ensures the US Open remains a battleground for golf’s biggest stars, regardless of tour affiliation. DeChambeau’s recent equipment tweaks, including a potential driver switch, have fans speculating about his edge on Oakmont’s demanding fairways.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch the US Open live on NBC and USA Network, with Peacock streaming exclusive coverage, including featured groups and late rounds. The tournament runs from June 12 to June 15, with Thursday’s first round kicking off at 6 a.m. EDT. Sky Sports Golf will also broadcast in the UK, offering comprehensive coverage. For real-time updates, USOpen.com and the USGA app provide scores and highlights. With Oakmont’s reputation for drama, expect plenty of twists as players navigate its relentless challenges.
A Week of Golfing Glory Awaits
The US Open at Oakmont promises a spectacle of skill, strategy, and resilience. Will Scheffler cement his dominance? Can McIlroy overcome his driver woes? Or will DeChambeau’s scientific approach lead to another triumph? The answers unfold over four intense days. Don’t miss a moment of this major championship—tune in, follow the leaderboard, and share your predictions on social media to join the global conversation.