There is some great debate about how the US Open fits into the golf major lexicon. On the one hand, you’ve got those who hate tough conditions, and don’t think it represents the true talent of the professional set that make their way up the ranks (or qualifying). On the other hand, you’ve got those who love the meat grinder. I’m in the second camp.
I love seeing rough so high that you can’t see your shoes. I like seeing greens so fast that you have to play the wind when putting. 289-yard par 3s. I love hearing the pros complain. To me, this is what golf is all about: everyone is playing the same course, so DEAL WITH IT.
Over the past few months, it seems that Oakmont has taken a serial killer mentality, as seen by all the social media posts and news about Rory and Adam Scott shooting very pedestrian 3- or 4-over on nine holes. Lots of pearl clutching by the golf media and/or the golf ‘influencers’. But isn’t this a true test of golf? What’s the difference in a leaderboard stacked at -12 to -15 on a Sunday vs. a +3 to +7 on Sunday? Sure, it’s a different skillset, but it’s still golf.
Oakmont Country Club is considered one of the most difficult courses to host the U.S. Open due to it’s difficult design and punishing conditions. Known for lightning-fast greens, deep bunkers, and tight fairways, the course demands exceptional accuracy and mental toughness from players. The rough is notoriously thick, and the sloping greens offer little margin for error, turning even routine putts into challenges. Oakmont also features minimal water hazards but uses elevation changes and strategic bunkering to test every aspect of a golfer’s game. Its reputation as a “true test of golf” has made it a legendary venue.
My picks for the week are those that are more mentally strong vs. those that have skill. They all have skill. All of the pros on tour can do things with the golf ball that most of us can’t comprehend. But this week, it will be advantageous for golfers who rely on precision vs. brute strength. If I’m preparing, my thoughts are:
1. Stay on the fairway. Period.
2. Par is fine. Minimize risk.
3. Aim for the middle of the green(s). Practice putting 2x vs. normal prep.
4. Each shot is it’s own universe. Don’t get distracted by what happened or what is next.
I think the winner is one of these three golfers:
Scheffler. When he’s on, he’s on. Absolute machine.
Xander. He’s more mentally tough than almost anyone out there.
Russell Henley. Another super tough golfer, with the game to win at Oakmont.
Other notable picks:
> Rory misses the cut. Something is going on in Mackelroy-land.
> No LIV players in the top 10. Risky pick with Bryson and Rahm, but it feels like this may be the nail in that coffin.
> Social Media overload. It’s going to be nuts how many golf influencers/brands/etc and the #usopen hashtag will be brutalized.
> (180* turn) Brutal comments in the press conferences of those players that miss the cut.
What do you think? What are you excited to see?
ARTWORK CREDIT: My man Lee Wybranski
I have been fortunate to play OCC several times and it’s really the only course I’ve ever played (including PVGC) where a great shot can turn out terrible. You have to incredibly precise and sometimes aiming at the middle of the green will put you in a horrific position. After the renovation it also seems that a small miss is much more penal than a big miss. If you’re gonna block a drive, block the $hit out of it. I’m in your camp; I wanna watch ‘em suffer once a year and may the best man win. I think there are maybe on 7 – 10 guys that have a chance. See you Friday! 🍻
I, too, fall into the second camp. Is it fun to watch a pro golfer finish -20 after day 3? Maybe, sometimes?
I like to see those on top of their game, far better than I’ll ever dream of playing, be put to the test. Watching pin-high flop shots from 4″ rough for me is way cooler than driving the green on a par 4.
I think we’ll see the usual suspects at the top of the leaderboard come Sunday morning. I don’t foresee a Cinderella story, not at Oakmont, but I’m happy to eat my hat on Monday.
I’m all for the carnage of a grisly US Open. I was at Oakmont in 2016 and it was a bear then and it looks like it’s only gotten tougher. While my brain says that Scottie and probably Bryson will be in contention come late Father’s Day Sunday, I’m hopeful for something fun. Shane Lowry was your 54 hole leader in 2016 before giving it up on Sunday. Perhaps the Irishman comes through before his Royal Portrush return?
Also, Lee Wybranski is an absolute gem of a guy as well as a good artist. I have his 2013 Merion and 2016 Oakmont prints in my office now. He often hangs out at the merch tent and signs his work and is also a good chat.
Also here for the carnage. The courses that these guys normally play are so boring. Outside of the Masters, this is always my favorite event of the year (unless you get a windy wet British which is also fantastic). Pulling hard for Scottie – such a great role model for my son and a joy to watch. Agree that Rory misses the cut or is a non factor, same with JT. One of Rahm or Bryson will be in the mix but I can’t stand the idea of either winning. Dark horse is the Sepptic Tank.
Sunday afternoon check in from the west coast. This US Open has provided a great opportunity for me to spend quality time outside with my family. Maybe we will get some drama now as I post, but it’s been BORING!
Last weekend, I watched the French Open semis and finals. There was no question in my mind that I was watching the best tennis players in the world go at each other’s throats.
To the casual golf fan, weather aside, it seems like the course designers hijacked this tournament and have made it about themselves with a goofy course, which doesn’t seem to provide an adequate showcase for the best golfers in the world to win a tournament by showing they are the most skilled over 4 days.
Checking in after the latest rain delay (715pm eastern), and we have 8 players within 2 strokes of the leader with plenty of golf left. Could be anybody. I do take back what I said in my above post, where we would see the usual suspects at the top of the leaderboard. I think we’re in for a fun playoff!