Oakmont Gears Up for Historic 10th U.S. Open with Fierce Challenges Ahead

Oakmont Country Club sits quietly beyond a line of suburban homes, offering little indication of the challenge it holds. The entrance is unassuming, and its iconic clubhouse acts as a subtle barrier between the serene neighborhood and one of golf’s most demanding courses.

Oakmont holds a unique place in golf history, now preparing to host the U.S. Open for the tenth time — the most of any venue in the nation. The course, a par 70 measuring 7,372 yards, is set to test the world’s top players across four grueling rounds. Groups of three will begin play from either the 1st or 10th holes. After 36 holes, only the top 60 will move on. The champion will be the player with the lowest score after 72 holes — unless there’s a tie, which would trigger a two-hole playoff.

As tournament week begins, the rough is proving to be as challenging as expected. Some of the game’s most skilled players, including Phil Mickelson, are already facing difficulties in the thick grass. A recent video of Mickelson battling the unforgiving lies has drawn widespread attention, serving as a reminder of how punishing the course can be.

Course Conditions, Star Power, and Expectations

In the days leading up to the tournament, footage of Oakmont’s maintenance team cutting the rough with military precision sparked online speculation. While some wondered if this would ease play, the general consensus remains: Oakmont doesn’t bend easily. Adjustments may fine-tune the experience, but they won’t remove the core difficulty that defines this legendary course.

Despite top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau in the field, Oakmont is the true star of the show. The spotlight belongs to the layout — a design dating back to 1903, continuously modified to keep challenging the elite. Historically, scores here have rarely dipped far under par. Out of over 1,300 players who have competed at Oakmont in major events, very few have managed to finish below par.

With rough expected to reach up to five inches and unpredictable weather on the horizon, the U.S. Open at Oakmont promises a week of high tension and physical endurance. As the competition begins, one thing is clear: only the most resilient will have a chance to conquer this formidable course.