U.S. Open: Spaun Leads, Stars Struggle at Brutal Oakmont
The 2025 U.S. Open is proving to be a true test of golfing grit at Oakmont Country Club. While J.J. Spaun surprised everyone with a bogey-free opening round, many of golf's biggest names are battling to stay in contention, with some already facing an early exit.
Spaun's Surprise Lead
J.J. Spaun's stellar opening round gave him a one-stroke lead heading into Friday's second round. Oakmont, hosting the national championship for the 10th time, has already shown its teeth, with challenging conditions impacting even the most seasoned players.
Top Players Face Oakmont's Wrath
Several highly-ranked golfers, including Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Sungjae Im, struggled during their second rounds, fighting to recover and make the cut. Scottie Scheffler, entering as a significant favorite, is even in danger of missing the cut entirely, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Oakmont.
Notable Names Miss the Cut
A number of prominent players failed to make the cut, including Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, and Sepp Straka. Justin Thomas expressed his frustration, reflecting the difficult conditions at Oakmont. Other notable players who missed the cut include Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, and Bryson DeChambeau.
- Justin Thomas
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Sepp Straka
- Ludvig Åberg
- Patrick Cantlay
- Wyndham Clark
- Bryson DeChambeau
The Cut Line and Weekend Outlook
The cut line settled at 7-over 147, marking the highest U.S. Open cut since 2018. Only a handful of players remain under par through 36 holes, showcasing the course's difficulty. Sam Burns leads the tournament at 3-under 137, followed by J.J. Spaun and Viktor Hovland. All players inside the cut line will start the weekend within 10 strokes of the lead, setting the stage for an exciting final two rounds.