2025 US Open: Its Prep Time
Posted on June 9, 2025
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The US Open returns to Oakmont after last hosting a US Open in 2016 when DJ won his 1st major in scintillating fashion. A layout that has stood the test of time and is considered the greatest of all the US Open courses.
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With players having warmed up in Canada at another country’s national open, this next battle will be a far car from the challenge that awaits the players. Its an exciting time of the year, the middle of major season and time for the eagerly anticipated 3rd major of the year, the US Open.
Oakmont will be roaring, hordes of fans will be flooding in, so it should be a cracker!
Reminder of the majorpunter rules, with a no-subs option, but having 6 picks including 2 wildcards. See the RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.
The Headliners
Scottie, Rory & The Bulk are again dominating pundits expectations, and either of the 3 could lay claim to being a favourite. Rory might be a stretch after his woeful slide since that epic in April, but opens the door for possible others.
There is a band of youngsters chasing a 1st major or a 2nd and 3rd, with so much talent in the mix! Many have picked up wins already in 2025, and ready to win again!
Oakmont will show its teeth and only the tough will survive. Any possible flaws will be examined to the maximum extent. Many will be having serious doubts that they can make the grade. Such is the game, that is played mainly between the ears.
The Defending Champ
The Bulk is seeking to be the 1st to defend the crown since BK from a few seasons back. However, its a very tough feat and it will take significant efforts to match last year’s heroics. He keeps knocking on the doors and if his putter can get warm again, like it did at Winged Foot and Pinehurst, then why not?
The Field
The US Open FIELD is set, after a result of a series of lengthy qualification processes and for some, just getting here is reward enough.
Go check out DATA GOLF RANKINGS for some of the latest trends and standings.
For an in-depth analysis of the top candidates, check out GOLF DIGEST rankings and picks for the Oakmont test.
The Course and Surrounds
Oakmont has undergone some changes since 2016, aimed at making it a better test, linked to the original architectural plan and layout. Gil Hanse has done a few US Open renovations and this is surely right up there with his best work. This is a real big player golf course where the score is irrelevant but the players will be tested throughout their bag.
The course was already a supreme test having hosted majors many times but most recently in 1994, 2007 and 2016 - when some of the games best ball strikers have all triumphed. It also famously hosted the Johnny MIller 63 which is considered to be the greatest round of modern times. Previous winners are the likes of Jack, DJ, Ernie, El Pato, Johnny, Hogan & Nelson - thats insane.
The course has so many brilliant features, including a highway which dissects the property. Its got par 3s that are short and long (players will have timber in their hands), its got a par 5 that is a real par 5, par 4s that are drivable and others that might be more strategic to lay up to avoid calamity. We can’t forget the church pew bunker or the coffin that goes with it.
Potential Favourites:
Scottie
The world no 1 on on any ranking. Had a slower start to 2025, but changed gears over the past month. Red-hot favourite where every facet of your game is going to be tested.
The Bulk
The defending champ. Keeps performing, no matter the occasion. Has he sorted his iron play for serious major duress? Time will tell, but don’t bet against The Scientist from kicking into overdrive.
Rahmbo
He is definitely back, just trickly along and certainly has an improved demeanour after a few months off the boil. He is desperate for the moments that he enjoyed at the PGA, where his competitive edge shines. Only a few swings away from winning at Quail Hollow and he knows he was very close.
The Others:
The list of possible first timers on the major list is long and impossible to ignore these guys - they have won already this year, an important ingredient in the build up.
ABerg: A course to test all facets equally might be the right challenge to break his major duck.
Tommy Lad: His numbers do not lie, consistently amongst the best drivers and iron players, though never the best in either. Maybe that combo of consistency will finally pay dividends.
Straka: He has the game for a tough test and is definitely an outlier amongst the others, but lets see it. Has won twice in 2025, why not a 3rd?
Reminder of the majorpunter rules, with a no-subs option, but having 6 picks including 2 wildcards. See the RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.