As the 2025 PGA Tour season continues, the difficulty seen in tournament courses rises as well. One in particular being this upcoming display of next level talent, at Oakmont for the U.S. Open. It has often been recognized as one of the most difficult tests in all of golf, and now for its tenth time at Oakmont. From its firm fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens will make for an interesting test for competitors. The top in the sport will all be present and expect an unwarranted amount of frustrating mistakes. If that wasn’t enough hurdles put in the way of golfers, Oakmont’s par-3 11th hole is the longest in all of major championship history.
Who Will Overcome The Course
With the defending tournament champion in Bryson DeChambeau ready for a repeat, this will be anyone’s week in terms of success. It’s expected to be some rough environment for most, but a key chance to showcase dominance and focus.
“You have to hit the fairways, you have to hit greens, and you have to two-putt, worst-case scenario,” DeChambeau said. “When you’ve got those putts inside 10 feet, you’ve got to make them. It’s a great test of golf.”
Understanding all of the elements in play with this course, it would be smart for those to take a more strategic outlook. From the unexpected weather conditions, to difficult course environments, mental focus will be key from start to finish. The golfer who is able to hit on the fairways consistently and make the necessary putts, will put themselves in prime position for a win.
“I understand this place is hard,” Justin Thomas said. “I don’t need to read articles or hear horror stories. I’ve played it. I know it’s difficult.”
Tournament Winner Shine In New Light?
All of this expected difficulty about the U.S. Open, will only give a much deserving light to the tournament winner. Being able to overcome not only outside conditions, but some of the top golfers in the world speaks volumes.
If there is one factor to pay close attention to from behind the screen, it will be how the field of golfers perform on fairways. With the course playing very similar to its already everyday conditions, finding yourself in high grass will be detrimental.
“You miss a fairway here, you can’t really do anything with it unless you’re in the middle of a fairway bunker and you can get something over the lip,” Rory McIlroy said. “Much more penal if you do miss it.”
This week’s tournament will be one for the books, even the world No. 1 ranked player in Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler is taking wins on the regular with ease but expected to look very human come Thursday evening. The bar will be set by this year’s U.S. Open winner, and even a more heightened respect level after pushing through.
