Oakmont, PA. All of the preliminaries are now in the rear-view mirror. The 125th US Open is now underway. Plenty of key storyline worth watching as they develop throughout the event.
Can Scottie Scheffler keep his momentum going?
The top player in the world is riding an impressive streak winning three of his last four starts — including this year’s PGA Championship.
Scheffler’s dominant mistake-free game has been his key strength and is the key dimension that separates him from others. Can the 28-year-old win back-to-back majors? Betting against him can prove hazardous to one’s wallet.
Is Rory finally over the Masters win and ready to return to form?
The fanfare paid to Rory McIlroy after winning his first major since 2014 and becoming the 6th member of the career Grand Slam club has now moved into the rear-view mirror for the number two player on the planet.
McIlroy fared poorly at last week’s RBC Canadian Open in missing the cut there. There was also continued interest in how drivers are randomly tested at pro golf events given McIlroy was using such a driver.
McIlroy comes to Oakmont with plenty of questions. Can he return to form and be the main opponent for Scheffler to overcome? Thursday’s opening round will provide plenty of answers on where the mental side of Rory is now.
How will Oakmont fare as host for the 10th time?
Much pre-championship discussion has been made by various players on how penal the rough is and what that will mean in impacting scores. Oakmont has always been a demanding challenge. Weather conditions will dictate plenty.
Dry conditions have prevailed and will be front and center for at least the first two rounds. The weekend could be a far different matter as thunderstorms are possible Saturday and rain showers could happen during the planned final round for Sunday.
Can DJ still spin the right music?
Dustin Johnson captured the last US Open at Oakmont in 2016 and added a second major win with a record 72-hole score at the 2020 Masters. But since that convincing win there’s been no real sightings of Johnson in the biggest of events.
Since securing the green jacket at Augusta, Johnson has played in twenty majors — finishing in the top ten five times but only one of them has happened over the last ten majors.
In short, can Oakmont inspire DJ to show the golf world he’s not yesterday’s news. We shall see.
Is Xander ready to assert his presence?
After winning two majors in 2024 it appeared the trajectory for Schauffele in 2025 was ready to launch even higher. Unfortunately, a nagging rib injury pushed him off the competitive map and he’s been trying to get back to where he was.
Will Oakmont be the venue for him to return to form and be a clear challenge to Scheffler and McIlroy. The jury is undecided on that prospect.
Can USGA avoid any rules controversy this time at Oakmont?
In 2016 Dustin Johnson received a one-shot penalty for causing his ball to move prior to making a putting stroke. Initially, there was a penalty applied but the USGA opted to review the situation and the uncertainty during the final round had various players wondering where they stood in regards to Johnson.
This time around matters have changed. The rule that impacted Johnson was changed and the USGA has elevated Thomas Pagel as chief referee. That means he will take action in a prompt manner so that matters don’t linger. The new process appears to streamline the situation but it will be interesting to see how it will be carried out should something of note take place.
Has anyone seen Brooks Koepka lately?
The five-time major winner has been a concerning enigma. When his game is in form he has proven to be able to nail down wins in the biggest of events.
But his recent play has been disappointing.
The 35-year-old has not broken into the top 15 in a major since winning the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in May 2023. Like DJ, one has to wonder if Brooks still has the game to challenge for a possible 3rd US Open title. A contending effort would indicate Koepka is hardly finished at the highest of levels. A missed cut and the concerns will only rise dramatically.
Are either Ludvig Åberg or Joaquín Niemann ready to capture their first major title?
The talent level for both golfers is clearly present but the major championships are the ultimate validator. The Swede is 25 and the Chilean is 26. Both have played well in a number of events but this week’s US Open could be a key springboard in which either or both can show they have the capacity to win in the most pressure-packed moments.
How will Bryson fare as defending champion?
DeChambeau’s epic win at Pinehurst was noteworthy because it validated his initial major win at Winged Foot in 2020.
The 31-year-old has been a consistent force in major events. In the last six majors Bryson has finished with a win, two runner-ups and a T5 and T6 respectively.
Among LIV golfers his performances have been the most consistent. Can DeChambeau consistently avoid the lethal rough at Oakmont? That will be the key question for him to answer.
Is Rahm ready to rumble at Oakmont?
After the Spaniard claimed his second major with a Masters win in 2023 it appeared the 30-year-old was going to be right at the top of the world rankings. Then in a move that surprised many – Rahm left for LIV Golf in late 2023.
His play since then in major events has been a mixed bag of inconsistency. Since winning at Augusta, he has played in 8 majors with four top tens. Rahm is well-versed in big moments. A second US Open win would elevate him as a player fully capable in challenging the dominance of Scheffler.
