U.S. Open at Oakmont: Scheffler’s the Favorite, But This Course Eats Legends for Breakfast
Let’s Set the Scene
Alright, so the U.S. Open is back at Oakmont this week—you know, that place where golf careers go to either shine or get absolutely humiliated. The big question? Can Scottie Scheffler keep his insane run going? The guy’s basically been a golf machine this year, but Oakmont’s different. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while someone’s yelling at you. Between Scheffler’s dominance, Bryson DeChambeau’s comeback tour, and the course itself being a total beast, here’s what’s gonna matter.
1. Scottie Scheffler: Dude’s Unstoppable… Or Is He?
Why He’s Scary Good Right Now
Five wins this season. Five. And not just random tournaments—we’re talking the Masters and two of those fancy PGA Tour “signature” events. His stats are stupid good, especially from tee to green. But here’s the thing: Oakmont doesn’t care about your stats. One bad swing here, and you’re hacking out of rough so thick it’s basically a jungle. Scheffler’s been great at U.S. Opens before (T2 in ’22, T3 in ’23), but this is Oakmont. Different animal.
The Mental Game
You know how some golfers get all twitchy under pressure? Not Scheffler. The guy’s chill is legendary. But Oakmont messes with your head—it’s like playing chess against a grandmaster who’s also a psych major. As one past winner put it: “You don’t play Oakmont; you survive it.” Gonna be fun watching how Scheffler handles that.
2. Oakmont: The Golf Course Version of a Horror Movie
Why It’s So Brutal
Narrow fairways. Rough that’s basically quicksand. Greens so fast they might as well be ice rinks. In 2007, Ángel Cabrera won here at +5—that’s five over par, for crying out loud. Dustin Johnson won at -4 in 2016, but only after players basically begged the USGA to make it slightly less impossible.
What Players Are Saying
Bryson put it best after a practice round: “Hit it straight or pack your bags.” Classic Bryson. Scheffler, being Scheffler, was more polite: “It’s fair, but you can’t zone out for a second.” Oh, and there might be rain—which could either soften things up or turn the rough into something from a nightmare. Fun!
3. Bryson DeChambeau: Is He Back for Real This Time?
His Rollercoaster Year
Remember when Bryson bulked up and just muscled his way to a U.S. Open win in 2020? Yeah, Oakmont won’t let him do that. His LIV results have been all over the place, but that T6 at the PGA Championship? That got people talking.
Does Oakmont Fit His Game?
Here’s the deal: Bryson’s crazy long off the tee, but Oakmont’s rough eats distance for lunch. The key might be his new, more controlled swing. He’s definitely motivated—told reporters, “I’m here to prove I still matter in majors.” Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the mix Sunday.
4. Dark Horses: Who’s Flying Under the Radar?
Guys Who Could Surprise
Tommy Fleetwood loves a tough course—finished T5 last year. Hideki Matsuyama’s ball-striking is perfect for Oakmont. And don’t sleep on Ludvig Åberg, the rookie who plays like a veteran. Oh, and Dustin Johnson? Won here in 2016. Just saying.
5. The Drama Beyond the Golf
Tiger’s Back (Again)
Tiger Woods at a major is always must-watch, but let’s be real—Oakmont’s probably the worst course for his banged-up body. He called it “the hardest course in America,” and his +16 here in 2007… yikes.
LIV vs. PGA Tour: The Cold War Continues
With Bryson and Jon Rahm in the field, there’s extra tension. If a LIV guy wins here? At the USGA’s crown jewel event? The golf world might actually explode.
Final Thoughts
Look, Scheffler’s the obvious pick. But Oakmont has a way of making obvious picks look silly. Will it be a dominant performance, or just some poor soul surviving the carnage? Either way, by Sunday night, we’ll have a champion—or at least, whoever’s least traumatized by this place. Who’s your money on? Can Scheffler do it, or will Oakmont spit out another underdog story?
Source: ESPN – News
