US Open 2025: McIlroy Survives, DeChambeau Out, Burns Leads at Oakmont
The 125th US Open at Oakmont Country Club has been a rollercoaster, with dramatic shifts on the leaderboard and plenty of surprises. Rory McIlroy battled through a challenging second round to make the cut, while defending champion Bryson DeChambeau suffered an early exit. Sam Burns emerged as the leader after a stellar round, showcasing Oakmont's demanding nature.
McIlroy's Resilience
Rory McIlroy faced a tough start to his second round, carding two double bogeys in his first three holes. Frustration boiled over as he launched his club down the fairway after a poor shot. However, the Northern Irishman demonstrated remarkable resilience, clawing his way back to post a 72. Two crucial birdies in his final four holes secured his place for the weekend, albeit nine strokes behind the leader.
DeChambeau's Disappointment
Bryson DeChambeau's title defense came to an abrupt end as he failed to make the cut. The challenging conditions at Oakmont proved too much for the defending champion, highlighting the course's ability to punish even the best players.
Burns Takes the Lead
Sam Burns surged to the top of the leaderboard with a remarkable 5-under 65. His performance marked his lowest 18-hole score at the US Open in seven appearances. Burns holds a one-shot lead over JJ Spaun, with Viktor Hovland in third place. Only three players are currently under par, underscoring the difficulty of the Oakmont course.
Other Notable Performances
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is chasing back-to-back major victories but sits on four over par. Xander Schauffele is also at six over par, alongside McIlroy. The projected cut line is at +7, based on the top 60 golfers and ties. The second round was suspended due to darkness and will resume on Saturday morning.
Looking Ahead
The third round promises more drama as players battle for position on the challenging Oakmont course. With only a few players under par, the US Open is set for a thrilling weekend. Golf fans in South Africa can follow the action and see if McIlroy can close the gap or if Burns can maintain his lead.