The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont will long be remembered for its punishing layout, dramatic weather delays, and the unexpected triumph of J.J. Spaun. On Father’s Day, Spaun delivered one of the most improbable wins in major championship history, capped by a 65-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at −1 (279). He became the first player to win under par at Oakmont since 2007.

Oakmont lived up to its brutal reputation. Greens ran faster than 15 on the Stimpmeter. The rough played like quicksand. Fairways were narrower than sidewalks. It wasn’t just about execution—it was about belief. Only four players finished under par. Bryson DeChambeau missed the cut at +10. Rory McIlroy barely survived and said he “just wanted it to end.”

Spaun’s Sunday round began with five bogeys in six holes—an early collapse that would have broken most. Sam Burns led after 54 holes, but heavy rain triggered a 95-minute delay. During the interruption, while NBC aired Tiger Woods’ 2008 highlights, Spaun refocused.

When play resumed, he was transformed. He birdied 12, 14, and 17—then sank the longest putt of the tournament on 18. That 65-footer wasn’t just for the win. It was the ultimate act of mental strength.

His comeback was not only athletic—it was deeply personal. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2019, Spaun’s career has been a test of endurance. The night before his final round, he spent hours in the ER with his sick daughter. Yet on Sunday, he delivered a legacy-defining performance.

The week offered other memorable moments. Patrick Reed made an albatross on the par-5 4th—only the fourth in U.S. Open history—then dismissed it: “One hole doesn’t mean jack.” Sam Burns fell apart with a final-round 78. Robert MacIntyre fired a gutsy 68 to take second but couldn’t match Spaun’s closing fire. Viktor Hovland posted +2 to finish third, again proving his consistency on golf’s toughest stages.

Oakmont did its job: it exposed weaknesses and punished the slightest error. Its greens were unforgiving. The rough was unplayable. Tee shots demanded surgical precision. Spaun met those demands. He didn’t just survive—he surged.

The pressure destroyed contenders. Spaun emerged through it. The weather delay gave him space to reset. From there, he produced one of the great finishing stretches in U.S. Open history.

Critics may have scoffed as NBC re-aired Tiger’s heroics, but while the past replayed onscreen, Spaun built his own legend.

His reward was more than just a trophy. He earned $4.3 million, a 10-year U.S. Open exemption, and entry into all majors for five years. But the real prize was validation: a win forged in adversity, delivered through heart, focus, and endurance.

In the end, the 125th U.S. Open didn’t go to the longest hitter or biggest name. It went to the player who refused to fold. J.J. Spaun walked through fire at Oakmont—and walked off a major champion.

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At Oakmont Country Club, brilliance is optional—survival is not. As the final round of the 125th U.S. Open begins, golf’s greatest face not just a course, but a crucible. Moving Day exposed the truth: Oakmont doesn’t simply test technique; it tests belief. By Saturday evening, only four players remained under par. Sam Burns led alone, but Oakmont rarely lets leaders coast to glory.

The course's reputation precedes it. Greens running at 15.2 on the Stimpmeter have reduced the field to whispers and prayer. Fairways barely 24 yards wide demand perfect tee shots. Miss by inches and you're in rough so dense it’s been likened to tangled wire. Jordan Spieth's four-putt triple bogey on 11 was no anomaly—it was Oakmont.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, overwhelmed by the demands, missed the cut at +10. Rory McIlroy survived it, but barely—and declared he “didn’t really care,” revealing just how draining Oakmont’s toll can be. The leaderboard doesn’t just reflect skill; it reflects who is still standing.

Sam Burns shot a controlled 69 on Saturday to sit at –4, built on discipline, sharp iron play, and world-class scrambling. But his history on Hole 10—played at +3 this week—could haunt him. “If he’s even through five,” said one analyst, “he’s in command.” Oakmont, however, rarely allows command to last long.

Adam Scott trails by one at –3. His 67 was the round of the day—elegant, intelligent, and unflappable. The 44-year-old knows what it takes to win a major. At Oakmont, wisdom is power. If his putter holds, and if he survives the “Corridor of Collapse” from holes 13 to 17, he could lift a second major trophy.

J.J. Spaun joins Scott at –3. A consistent 69 kept him quietly in the mix. Calm, compact, and unaffected by the occasion, Spaun is the tournament’s underdog threat. If the final group stumbles, Spaun could slip into history.

Viktor Hovland, at –1, remains dangerous. His bogey-free 70 on Saturday showed control, but he’ll need a low number today—perhaps a front-nine 32—to contend. His putter, lukewarm so far, will need to ignite.

Further back, Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz, and Robert MacIntyre hover at even par or +1. Under normal conditions, they’d be too far back. But this is Oakmont. One fearless 65 could turn the leaderboard on its head.

Key battlegrounds are clear. The par-4 10th—tight, elevated, and brutal—could undo any momentum. The 17th, a 231-yard par-3, features a terrifying pin position just four paces from a back-right drop-off. And the 18th, with its pin tucked on a back tier behind a ridge, may decide the tournament with a single putt. Miss short and the ball rolls off. Miss long, and par is a fantasy.

But the physical demands are only half the story. Oakmont is a psychological war. Every breath, every blink, every crack in rhythm matters. This final round isn’t just another Sunday—it’s Oakmont Sunday, where expectation meets fear, and legacy awaits.

Conquering this championship is not just about beating the field—it’s about beating Oakmont. And in doing so, conquering something even deeper: yourself.

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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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Oakmont didn’t wait long to show its teeth. On Thursday, at the start of the 125th U.S. Open, the course once again confirmed its status as golf’s greatest test. Brutally fast greens – rolling at over 15 on the Stimpmeter – and an unforgiving layout turned even the world’s best into survivors.

J.J. Spaun – Calm in the ChaosWhile the field battled for balance, J.J. Spaun found his rhythm early and never let go. With a flawless, bogey-free 66 (-4), he took the solo lead, navigating Oakmont’s fierce greens with exceptional touch. Where others collapsed on the back nine, Spaun delivered a masterclass in patience, position, and poise.

Chasing the LeaderJust behind Spaun: Thriston Lawrence (-3), showing once again that major pressure doesn’t faze him. Brooks Koepka (-2), Jon Rahm (-1), and Si Woo Kim (-1) all stayed within striking distance, thanks to smart shot selection and the discipline to avoid Oakmont’s cruelest traps. One theme was clear: aggressive golf was punished, while those who respected the course were rewarded.

Big Names Under FireScottie Scheffler (+3) struggled with speed and feel on the greens, missing three putts inside six feet. His ball-striking was sharp—but Oakmont exposed every putting flaw.
Rory McIlroy (+4), fresh off a Masters triumph, looked strong early but unraveled late. A tangle with the "Church Pews" bunker and four bogeys in his last six holes left him scrambling to make the cut.
Bryson DeChambeau (+3) endured both physical and mental tests. A sprinkler-head relief controversy on hole 4 led to a lengthy rules discussion—an unwelcome distraction in already punishing conditions.

When the Game Turns WildShane Lowry delivered the shot of the day with an eagle hole-out on the par-4 3rd—then self-destructed with missed putts and errors. Reports vary, but he finished at either +7 or +9. In frustration, he smashed a mic on 16. A moment of raw emotion that summed up Day One’s chaos.
Patrick Reed stunned the field with a rare double eagle on hole 4, the first albatross at a U.S. Open since 2014. And amateur Maxwell Moldovan etched his name in history by becoming the first player to eagle Oakmont’s opening hole.

Today: The Day That Decides EverythingFriday is Cut Day. The top 60 and ties will survive to the weekend. Many stars hover around the cutline—and the pressure is mounting.

Key afternoon pairings (CEST):

• 17:52 – Spaun, Kim, Pendrith
• 18:14 – Rahm, Koepka, Lowry
• 18:47 – Scheffler, Fowler, Scott
• 19:09 – McIlroy, Åberg, Schauffele

Course Conditions – Only TougherWith forecast temps of 28–29°C (83–85°F), the afternoon sun will firm up the greens even more. Players teeing off early may catch a break. By sunset, Oakmont will once again separate contenders from pretenders.

Final ThoughtOakmont doesn’t care about name or number. It demands control, clarity, and character. Day One delivered a brutal reminder: only those who embrace the grind will remain.

And Day Two? That’s where the real tournament begins.

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The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club has begun—and once again, the course lives up to its brutal legacy. At 7,372 yards, Par 70, with 175 strategically placed bunkers, over 5 inches of rough, and greens rolling above 15.5 on the Stimpmeter, Oakmont is not just a golf course—it’s a survival exam.

Thursday opened with ideal weather: dry air, light wind, firm fairways. But those perfect conditions only intensified the challenge. The later the tee time, the firmer the greens. Even small mistakes became costly.

Media Spotlight:• Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1, three wins in his last six starts.• Bryson DeChambeau – Defending champion, confident and calculating.• Rory McIlroy – Looking for redemption. Called the greens “psychological warfare.”

Close behind: Shane Lowry, Viktor Hovland, and Jordan Spieth—all ready to strike if the leaders stumble.

A viral image of 40 groundskeepers mowing fairways in formation says it all: Oakmont is perfectly prepared to protect par. Every shot demands precision. The course doesn’t reward brilliance—it punishes hesitation and arrogance.

Broadcast Coverage:NBC, USA Network, and Peacock stream live coverage all day. Featured group streams give full access to key holes and top players.

Looking ahead to Round 2:Friday could bring thunderstorms and even tougher conditions. The greens will be firmer, the pressure higher. The cut line will come into view. Only the most focused players will stay in contention.

At Oakmont, survival is success. Precision beats power. And every round is a step closer to clarity—or collapse. This isn’t just a major. It’s a fight for control.

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Player & Course Intelligence Report

Two days before the start of the 125th U.S. Open, the mood at Oakmont Country Club is a mix of anticipation and controlled fear. This historic venue is known for its brutal setup—and 2025 promises to be one of the toughest editions ever played. What follows is a compact intelligence update for players, coaches, and insiders.

Player Insights – Pressure Rising

Rory McIlroy summed it up best after his practice round score of 81:

“Nothing works when the course is set up like this. The greens are absolutely terrifying. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them this fast.”

Stimpmeter readings on June 10 confirmed his observation: between 14.5 and 15.5 feet—faster than Augusta National. Putting here is not just a skill challenge—it’s psychological warfare.

Xander Schauffele approached the situation with grim humour:

“Maybe I’m just sick and enjoy the challenge.”

His words reflect the mindset needed for Oakmont: tough, stubborn, fearless. Only players who mentally embrace the grind stand a chance.

Justin Thomas delivered a more tactical view:

“You can’t overpower this place. You have to think, plan, and accept mistakes. It’s going to take discipline and mental toughness. That’s the only way to survive here.”

Oakmont doesn’t reward power—it demands intelligence, humility, and extreme precision.

Course Notes – Pure Brutality

One video went viral this week: the grounds crew using hand mowers to compress the 5-inch rough—not to ease the challenge, but to make lies even tighter and harder.

Tour veteran Jhonattan Vegas shared the clip with the comment:

“Good news guys—they’re cutting the rough. Bad news—it’s still unplayable. Have fun.”

There are no second chances off the fairway. Missed tee shots mean scrambling for bogey—or worse.

Oakmont's recent restoration under Gil Hanse has reintroduced key elements of its original design: tree removals, firmer fairways, tighter bunkers. The greens are not just fast—they are ruthless. Precision putting lines must be memorized, not guessed.

New Local Rule – Important Detail

A subtle but meaningful rule change was confirmed this week. Players are now allowed to practice putts on the back portion of the 9th green before their round—without penalty. The reason? The slope complexity on that green is so extreme that even elite players need a pre-round read to avoid early disaster.

The Bigger Picture

The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont will not be won by talent alone. It will require calculation, humility, strategy, and above all: resilience. Expect cautious opening rounds, high scoring averages, and emotional reactions from even the best. For those chasing history, Oakmont is not just a venue—it’s a proving ground.

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As we move deeper into the 2025 Major season, I wanted to share a brief update on recent developments at Sportsbox that may be of interest to you. The past few weeks have brought strong momentum, valuable learning opportunities, and continued growth across our coaching and player community.

🚀 Accelerator Program Officially LaunchedWe recently launched the first Sportsbox Coach Accelerator Program, designed specifically for up-and-coming coaches who want to integrate 3D motion analysis into their teaching. Led by our Director of Education, Joe DiChiara, this program provides weekly learning sessions, direct mentorship, and a structured system for improving both student outcomes and coaching retention.
We received hundreds of applications from passionate coaches around the world—this strong interest confirms the growing demand for high-level instruction supported by 3D biomechanics.

🏌️‍♂️ Success at the PGA ChampionshipAt this year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, approximately 20 players using Sportsbox competed. Notably, Bryson DeChambeau (working with Dana Dahlquist), Harris English (coached by Justin Parsons), and Davis Riley (student of Jeff Smith) all finished tied for second at -6—an exceptional performance on a demanding course.

📍 LIV Golf Korea: Swing Analysis with Bryson DeChambeauDuring the recent LIV Golf event in Korea at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, we captured every swing Bryson made and combined the data with Foresight’s club and ball metrics.
After detailed correlation analysis, we identified the cause of an overdraw—reduced X-Factor stretch and excessive side bend in transition. Once he corrected these issues, especially by improving chest rotation at impact, the results were immediate. Bryson closed with a 30 on the back nine to secure the win, despite a strong challenge from Charles Howell.

📊 Swing Score Report (Beta)The new Swing Score Report—our in-depth, 5+ page analysis of a golfer’s movement across key 3D metrics—is now in early beta. Coaches are already using the report to demonstrate measurable progress and deepen their training concepts. Several academies have even integrated the report into their core curriculum.
We’re seeing positive feedback from solo golfers as well. If you’re interested in receiving a Swing Score Report for yourself or exploring how it can fit into your own coaching structure, please feel free to reach out.

We truly appreciate your continued interest in Sportsbox. Whether you're coaching, playing, or exploring new methods to support development, we’re here to provide reliable tools, data, and expertise to assist you every step of the way.

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The 125th edition of the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club this week – a venue widely feared and respected as the hardest test in professional golf. Known for its punishing architecture, Oakmont will once again challenge even the best players in the world with a setup that punishes imprecision and rewards only the most complete games.

Often referred to as “golf’s toughest test”, Oakmont has earned this reputation through decades of grueling championships. The course has been meticulously restored to its original penal layout, staying true to designer Henry Fownes’ vision: no trees, no mercy, and absolutely no room for error.

At 7,372 yards, Oakmont plays as a Par 70, but it feels much longer. Its 175 bunkers are cavernous and strategically placed – none more iconic than the infamous Church Pew Bunker straddling holes 3 and 4. The greens, lightning-fast and cruelly undulating, consistently measure near 15 on the Stimpmeter. Players who miss the proper tiers or fail to judge speed perfectly often pay with three-putts or worse.

And then there’s the rough. Thick, gnarly, and inconsistent in texture, players have already reported losing balls in the first cut alone. Some described hacking through it as “like cutting through jungle,” turning even short holes into battles.

The 8th hole stands out as the longest Par 3 in U.S. Open history, measuring just under 300 yards. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which cuts directly through the property, adds another unique character to the layout – with players crossing bridges from the 1920s during the round.

Precision is everything here. As Justin Thomas put it bluntly, “You get lazy, and this course will make you look stupid.” That reality was clear even during Monday’s practice round, where Rory McIlroy made a triple bogey on the second hole despite claiming he hit “three good shots.”

Historically, only about 2% of players have finished under par at Oakmont. It’s not just a championship – it’s survival.

Among the headliners this year is Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, who arrives fresh off victories at both the PGA Championship and the Memorial. His laser-like consistency off the tee and flawless short game make him the bookmakers' favorite.

Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is seeking back-to-back titles – a feat last accomplished by Brooks Koepka in 2018. DeChambeau’s power is undeniable, but Oakmont’s precision demands may pose a unique challenge.

Other major contenders include Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Shane Lowry. Don’t count out under-the-radar names like Sepp Straka or Ben Griffin, both trending upward this season.

The 156-player field is set after a record-breaking 10,202 entries, including amateurs, international stars, and some remarkable personal stories. One such highlight is Matt Vogt, a 34-year-old dentist from Indianapolis who once caddied at Oakmont. Now, as an amateur competitor, he tees it up in honor of his late father – a storyline that embodies the emotional heart of championship golf.

In terms of broadcast, fans can follow the action on USA Network, NBC, and Peacock in the U.S., while Sky Sports Golf and talkSPORT deliver coverage in the UK and Europe. Featured group streaming and Multiview options make the event widely accessible worldwide.

And finally, in typical Oakmont fashion, even the practice green has made headlines. The shared green at the 9th hole has a marked dividing line – and crossing into the wrong section during play could result in disqualification. It’s just one more detail that reinforces Oakmont’s reputation for being both traditional and uncompromising.

The 2025 U.S. Open won’t just crown a champion – it will reveal who has the skill, strategy, and psychological resilience to overcome golf’s ultimate test.

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