Preparation and self-control required at challenging Oakmont for US Open
New and Improved: The Toughest Test in Golf Returns
This year's U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is shaping up to be a grueling challenge for even the most skilled golfers. Here's the lowdown on what awaits the players on one of the toughest courses in the game.
"It's a hell of a test," said fifth-ranked Justin Thomas. "If you're lacking in discipline, you'll get exposed quick." Frankly, Oakmont demands patience and precision — and plenty of it.
The lush, damp rough will make it a rough ride for any golfer who strays off the fairway. In fact, it's a massive punishment for errant shots, pushing players to stay focused and accurate right from the tee.
"It's a great week to be in a great place mentally and very patient," Thomas added, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness.
Last year's British Open and PGA Championship winner, Xander Schauffele, shares that view. As a fan of the contest, he loves to see even the mightiest players humbled on Oakmont's greens.
"It's not enjoyable watching guys just hit 200-yard shots onto the green," Schauffele said. "They tune in for players shooting eight-over and suffering. It's all part of the enjoyment."
But the tricky terrain offers more than just hazards. It also presents opportunities for the birdies if one can master the risk-reward challenges.
"It's all about controlling myself to try and hit every fairway, every green," Schauffele said, acknowledging the temptation to lay up in certain situations despite the risk of ending up in a worse spot. "But there's fun in that too."
Call it a perfect setup for the world number one, Scottie Scheffler. The PGA Championship champion boasts impressive form, having won three times since the start of May. Schauffele reckons that Oakmont will suit Scheffler's game, given his impeccable driving skills and his knack for playing it smart.
World number two Rory McIlroy, who won the Masters earlier this year to complete a career Grand Slam, might be one who can take more risks when it comes to using a driver. Thomas said that upon seeing McIlroy drive the ball, he "would definitely pull the driver out as often as I can."
Thomas, a former world number one, is hungry to challenge for the top spot again. However, he's well aware that Scheffler's consistent performance makes it challenging to catch him if he keeps his game on point.
"It's frustrating watching excellent players like Xander did last year or like Rory is this year," Thomas said. "But it's just that Scottie is also doing that. You can't catch him if he keeps playing like this."
"He's not showing any signs of stopping."
Providing you with a sneak peek into Oakmont's unique challenges, it's all about precision, strategy, and mental stamina. Will the players rise to the occasion, or will Oakmont prove too much for even the best? Only time—and the course—will tell.
© 2025 AFP
Enrichment Insights:
The U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club presents several formidable challenges for players, including a thick rough, fast greens, physical and mental demands, and precision required to navigate the course successfully.
Top players typically focus on strategies such as accuracy over distance, course management, mental preparation, and adaptability to conditions to tackle Oakmont. Key players, like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, and Xander Schauffele, prioritize precision and strategic play.
The course is mentally and physically taxing due to its challenging layout and reputation as one of the most stressful courses in major championships. The rough requires precise play off the tee, while the greens demand accurate approach shots and precise putting.
Oakmont offers risk-reward challenges that can potentially lead to birdie opportunities but also entrusts players with making difficult choices from punishing lies.
Practice can only help a player so much; if their skills aren't up to par, they might struggle despite their experience.
The upcoming United States Open at Oakmont Country Club will test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers, as the course is known for its challenging rough, fast greens, and mental demands. For example, the lush, damp rough will make it difficult for any golfer who strays off the fairway.
People like Xander Schauffele, who enjoys watching the contest, appreciate the opportunity for birdies that come with the risk-reward challenges presented by Oakmont. The world number one, Scottie Scheffler, with his impressive driving skills and strategic game, might be particularly well-suited to navigating this formidable course.
