Leader grab by Spaun at US Open as Schaffler and McIlroy falter
In the ongoing 2025 U.S. Open, Spaun sent shockwaves at Oakmont Country Club with a 4-under par 66, his best-ever major round, shattering the club's fearsome reputation. His bogey-free performance equaled the lowest first round in any US Open at Oakmont, achieved by American Andrew Landry in 2016.
Spaun's round included birdies on four of his first eight holes and some fantastic scrambling, a crucial aspect of thriving in a US Open setting. South African Thriston Lawrence wound up second at 67, followed closely by Kim Si-woo, Im Sung-jae, and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka.
Koepka, with a 42-foot eagle putt at the fourth hole, managed a 68, despite some bogeys on the 10th and 14th. Commenting on Oakmont's challenging course, he expressed, "I definitely think it was gettable."
Meanwhile, the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, had a tough start with a 73. His inconsistent round included three birdies, six bogeys, and a double bogey, marking his worst opening major round to par. Similarly, Rory McIlroy, the second-ranked player, shot 74, struggling particularly on the back-nine with four bogeys and a double bogey.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau struggled as well, shooting 73, while six-time US Open runner-up Phil Mickelson, aiming to complete a career Grand Slam, opened with a 74.
Among some memorable moments, Patrick Reed made the fourth albatross in US Open history with a three-wood from the fairway on the fourth hole, while Shane Lowry and Maxwell Moldovan aced holes during the tournament.
In case you were wondering, the 2025 U.S. Open boasts a $21.5 million purse, with payouts for every professional who makes the cut. The course maintains legendary difficulty, thanks to its "nice and fiery" greens, tricky pin positions, and a reputation for testing even the best players. Apart from Johnny Miller's course record 63 in 1973, other notable performances at Oakmont include Dustin Johnson's dramatic win in 2016, amid rules controversies and spirited comebacks.
player Thriston Lawrence from South Africa scored 67 in the 2025 U.S. Open, playing at Oakmont Country Club. Discussing the course, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka mentioned that golf, such as golf in Africa, requires excellent scrambling to thrive in challenging settings like Oakmont.
