The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club delivered what it promised: a relentless examination of every aspect of a golfer’s game. As Round 2 concluded on Friday, June 13, 2025, Oakmont once again confirmed its standing as America’s most punishing championship venue. Known for its rich history and raw difficulty, the course provided a perfect stage for high drama, heroic resilience, and complete unraveling.

Sam Burns emerged as the unlikely hero of the day, firing a flawless 65 (-5) — not just the round of the tournament, but one of the best ever seen in a U.S. Open at Oakmont. His blend of precision, tempo, and nerveless putting was a masterclass in modern tournament golf. With surgical ball-striking and a composed demeanor, Burns vaulted to the top of the leaderboard, reminding everyone that birdies are possible — just rarely rewarded.

His ascension stood in stark contrast to the unraveling of marquee players. Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champion, never found rhythm. Erratic driving and tentative putting led to a +10 total and a missed cut. Justin Thomas struggled to a 78, including a four-putt meltdown on the 12th, finishing at +12. Even Rory McIlroy, though he made the cut at +6, couldn’t escape the chaos: his emotional outbursts — broken tee marker, tossed club — became symbolic of Oakmont’s psychological warfare.

And then came Victor Perez, the Frenchman who delivered a jolt of electricity to the day by holing out with a 7-iron on the par-3 6th — the first ace in a U.S. Open at Oakmont since 1983. It was a reminder that in the shadows of torment, brilliance still flickers.

What makes Oakmont so merciless?

First, the greens. Lightning-fast and crowned, they regularly register above 15 on the Stimpmeter. Subtle breaks morph into triple reads. Even inside five feet, putts feel like puzzles. The 1st green alone is notorious — a sloping terror where scoring dreams go to die. Only players with elite touch and ice in their veins survive.

Then, the fairways: narrow, fast-running, and demanding perfect angles. Any deviation ends up in rough so dense it feels more penal than sand. Add in firm, sloping landing areas, and even well-placed shots bring risk.

Oakmont’s architecture also plays tricks on the mind. The Pennsylvania Turnpike literally divides the course: seven holes lie on one side of the highway, eleven on the other. That split introduces changing wind exposures and microclimates — requiring constant recalibration.

Particular holes stand out. The 3rd, a long par-3, requires a towering shot to a firm green. The 17th, a short par-4, tempts with eagle but punishes with double. In a major defined by margins, these holes will likely shape the final outcome.

As we turn to Moving Day, Burns holds the narrative. His game appears polished, purposeful — swing compact, putting dialed, confidence radiating. But the pack is hungry. Hovland, Koepka, Rahm, and Scheffler all lurk. Oakmont does not allow passengers; it exposes weakness and demands bravery.

With a volatile weather forecast — warm, humid, and thunderstorms looming — players will need more than skill. They'll need composure, resilience, and a full understanding of what this course demands.

Oakmont doesn’t simply crown a champion. It selects a survivor.

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