"Catastrophe Approaching Oakmont Golf Course...Prepare Yourself!" - Golfers Predict Harsh Oakmont Rough for Upcoming US Open
US Open fever is in the air, and Oakmont this year promises to be a real beast. The thick, lush rough that lines the fairways and greens is enough to make any golfer shudder, especially after a wet start to the week.
It's the 125th US Open, and the course has been drenched in rain as players arrive in Pennsylvania to tackle the most demanding golf challenge.
Oakmont, known for its classic US Open test, offers a lengthy course with quick greens and tough rough. The rain has made the rough even more imposing, swallowing golf balls and punishing players who dare to stray from the fairway.
PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin was quick to share a glimpse of the grueling conditions, posting a video showcasing the swallowing, five-inch rough at the 1st hole.
Underneath the towering rough, golf balls will take the familiar dip if players miss the mark. Escaping and holding these rapid greens was always going to be a struggle, but with the wet weather, it just got a whole lot tougher.
🚨😳⛳️ #LOOK - Ben Griffin showcases the devilish, 5+ inch rough at Oakmont's 1st hole. The U.S. Open week has officially begun.(Via bengriffingolf / TT) pic.twitter.com/oqKvwFNajHJune 8, 2025
Griffin isn't the only one warning the golf world about Oakmont's notorious rough. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau paid a previous visit and was left speechless at its sternness.
Known for his expansive YouTube videos, DeChambeau documented his initial shock over the course's setup - claiming it was the hardest Oakmont had ever played in its history, even before the rain.
Newcomers like Korn Ferry Tour player James Nicholas have also joined the chorus, sharing videos of attempted recovery shots from the thick rough, dubbing it a "carnage" waiting to happen.
As players prepare to battle it out for the title, one thing is clear - tough times are ahead at Oakmont.
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🚨😳⛳️ Article Sources:
- "US Open venue Oakmont has specific plan to increase rough thickness" - Golf Digest, May 24, 2025.
- "Wild rough and punishing pace make Oakmont's US Open setup a challenge for contenders" - Golfweek, June 8, 2025.
- "How Oakmont maintains its infamous, punishing rough for the US Open" - Golf.com, June 8, 2025.
- "Tough US Open: Oakmont course record unlikely to be broken this week" - ESPN Golf, June 8, 2025.
The US Open at Oakmont promises to be a challenging event, with the rough already proven to be imposing and swallowing golf balls as players face the demanding course. Tough times are ahead for all contenders as they prepare to battle it out for the title.
