The U.S. Open, the third major golf championship of the year, is set to begin next week.
Many leading players from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are competing this week to sharpen their skills before heading to Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh for the major.
World number two, Rory McIlroy, is scheduled to play in the PGA Tour`s RBC Canadian Open. Meanwhile, the reigning U.S. Open winner, Bryson DeChambeau, will participate in the LIV Golf event taking place in Gainesville, Virginia.
Bryson DeChambeau commented on the prospect of winning consecutive U.S. Open titles, stating, “We`re all aiming to achieve things that haven`t been done in a while, and winning back-to-back would be fantastic. Securing three wins in a row would be an even greater achievement, so that possibility is definitely on my mind.”
Upcoming PGA Tour Event
RBC Canadian Open Details:
Dates: Thursday to Sunday
Location: TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course), Caledon, Ontario
Reigning Champion: Robert MacIntyre
Prize Fund: $9.8 million
Rory McIlroy`s Return
Rory McIlroy is set to play in the RBC Canadian Open after missing last week`s Memorial Tournament. Having previously won this event in 2019 and 2022, McIlroy is seeking his third victory, which would place him in an elite group alongside Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, and Lee Trevino as the only players to achieve this.
McIlroy expressed satisfaction with the PGA Tour`s decision to move the Canadian Open to an earlier date on the schedule.
Speaking about the schedule change, McIlroy stated, “I genuinely appreciate the change in date. I really like that it`s scheduled for the week right before the U.S. Open. As I`ve mentioned before, prior to competing in this tournament, from 2016 to 2018, I missed the cut three consecutive times at the U.S. Open. Since I started playing the Canadian Open the week before, I`ve achieved six consecutive top-10 finishes in the U.S. Open, which suggests there`s a benefit to this preparation.”
Following his Masters win, which completed his career Grand Slam, McIlroy admitted that “spending three or four hours practicing on the range daily might be slightly more challenging than it once was.”
McIlroy reflected on motivation after a major win, saying, “When you work towards a significant goal in your life and you achieve it, sometimes it`s difficult to regain motivation and continue pushing forward. I believe the past couple of weeks have been beneficial for me as a kind of reset, helping me assess my mental state, decide my future plans, and determine where I want to compete. Essentially, it was a chance to redefine some goals.”
Scheffler Clinches Ryder Cup Position
Although the Ryder Cup is still over three months away, world number one Scottie Scheffler has become the first player to officially secure a spot on the United States team. The team is set to face off against the European squad at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, from September 26-28.
The PGA of America confirmed on Wednesday that Scheffler has accumulated a commanding 25,918.25 Ryder Cup points, more than double that of any other player, thereby guaranteeing his place. Xander Schauffele currently holds the second position with 11,905.84 points.
U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley released a statement praising Scheffler: “Scottie consistently demonstrates why he is the world`s top-ranked player, displaying remarkable consistency and dominance week after week. He is an exceptional team player, and I am completely confident he will be prepared and driven when September arrives. I am absolutely thrilled to have him as a member of the U.S. Team.”
The top six eligible players in the Ryder Cup points standings after the BMW Championship on August 17, 2025, will automatically qualify. Additionally, Captain Bradley will select six players as captain`s picks to complete the team.
This will mark Scheffler`s third appearance in the Ryder Cup. His record includes 0 wins, 2 losses, and 2 ties during the U.S. team`s 16.5-11.5 defeat at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club near Rome in 2023, and a record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie as a first-time participant in the dominant 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in 2021.
Scheffler commented on his selection, stating, “Competing for the United States in the Ryder Cup is among the highest honors of my career, and I am eager to do so for the third time this September. I am committed to doing everything possible to help our team win back the Cup and I am greatly looking forward to competing before the enthusiastic fans in New York at Bethpage Black.”
Clanton`s Professional Journey Begins
Three players are making their professional golf debuts this week at the RBC Canadian Open: Luke Clanton, Gordon Sargent, and David Ford.
Significant expectations surround Luke Clanton, a standout player from Florida State University. As an amateur last year, he twice finished tied for second place on the PGA Tour, at the John Deere Classic and the RSM Classic. He is the first amateur since Jack Nicklaus in 1961 to record three or more top-10 finishes in a single PGA Tour season.
This year, Clanton achieved a tied-15th finish at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tied-18th finish at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
Speaking to reporters in Canada, Clanton described his experience as “incredible. As I mentioned, it`s something you constantly dream about. Being here now and identifying myself as a professional feels slightly… honestly, a bit strange initially, because I`ve always been an amateur.”
He added, “It`s wonderful. I`m simply eager to be out here and compete. It isn`t about the money or the fame. It`s about competing against these players on the tour. This is something I, and especially my family, have pursued my entire life.”
Before turning professional this week, Clanton held the ranking of the world`s number one amateur. He was also awarded the Ben Hogan Award, recognizing him as the top collegiate golfer, following his four victories for FSU this spring.
In the opening two rounds, Clanton is scheduled to play alongside Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Åberg.
On Tuesday, Clanton expressed gratitude towards his parents. His mother, Rhonda, recently retired after over forty years as a Delta flight attendant, while his father, David, managed two businesses to support Clanton`s education at a private school and his golf career.
Clanton remarked on his parents` dedication, stating, “What they did, not just for me but for my two older sisters too, to help us through everything, was amazing. Again, my mom and dad are incredibly hardworking individuals, and they will never take credit for it, which honestly frustrates me sometimes because they did absolutely everything within their power.”
Clanton is known for his long driving distance (his average of 312.4 yards would place him 14th on tour if he had played enough rounds to be ranked). He also identifies his “strong mentality” as one of his key strengths.
When questioned about potential recruitment from the LIV Golf League, Clanton responded, “I intend to play on the PGA Tour, it`s quite straightforward. My goal is to compete against the top players and participate in the major championships, that`s the extent of it. It`s simple.”
Gordon Sargent won the NCAA individual championship as a freshman at Vanderbilt University in 2022 and was the low amateur at the 2023 U.S. Open. He earned his PGA Tour card in October 2023 via the PGA Tour University Accelerated program but chose to postpone turning professional to complete his studies at Vanderbilt.
David Ford, who achieved five victories while playing for North Carolina during the recent season, secured his PGA Tour card by finishing first in the PGA Tour University Rankings. This spring, he was honored with both the Jack Nicklaus Award and the Fred Haskins Award.
All three players are guaranteed exempt status on the PGA Tour through the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Upcoming LIV Golf Event
LIV Golf Virginia Details:
Dates: Friday to Sunday
Location: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, Virginia
Reigning Champion: Harold Varner III
Prize Fund: $25 million
Bryson DeChambeau`s Active Period
In addition to sharing second place at the PGA Championship, Bryson DeChambeau, the current U.S. Open champion, recently showcased his powerful driving skills by hitting tee shots at various notable locations, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a mountain range, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and even the White House lawn.
This period was typical for DeChambeau, often referred to as professional golf`s “content king,” who boasts a YouTube channel audience exceeding 2 million subscribers.
DeChambeau initially hesitated about hitting golf balls on the White House South Lawn but proceeded after being encouraged by President Donald Trump.
Describing the experience, DeChambeau shared, “I genuinely never imagined I would have the chance to do that in my lifetime, but the President himself suggested, `Just go out there and hit some shots.` My response was, `Okay, yes, sir.` It was quite a memorable moment. The target was 105 yards away, and I hit several quality shots that landed within a few feet of the pin, nearly making a couple as well.”
The current U.S. Open titleholder emphasized that his main objective remains winning golf tournaments.
DeChambeau stated, “Do I aspire to win every single event I enter? Absolutely, 100 percent. From my viewpoint, I will consistently be the most determined competitor on the course. However, these opportunities have also allowed me to engage in other activities that are significant to me.”
He elaborated, “Establishing my YouTube channel is something I`ve always desired to do, inspired by what creators like MrBeast and Dude Perfect achieved in the mid-2010s. I thought, `Why can`t I pursue something similar?` I believe there`s potential to extend the influence I currently have, and this feels like just the start. I anticipate many more exciting developments in the future.”
Finding His Stride
Joaquín Niemann, captain of Torque GC, expressed optimism about his game after achieving a tied-eighth finish at the PGA Championship. This result marked his first top-10 finish in 24 appearances at major championships. His final score placed him seven shots behind the winner, Scottie Scheffler.
However, Niemann has been highly successful in the LIV Golf League, securing five victories since February 2024, three of which occurred this season. His strong performance on the circuit prompted Phil Mickelson to controversially label him the world`s best golfer.
Reflecting on his PGA Championship performance, Niemann commented, “I didn`t feel like I played my absolute best. I felt there was significant room for improvement at the time. I was aware I could have achieved a much better outcome. However, I believe we should focus on the positives and progress incrementally. It was my first top-10 finish in a major, so that`s definitely a positive takeaway.”
Phil Mickelson offered perspective on Niemann`s LIV Golf success, suggesting, “I believe that because LIV is relatively new, people don`t fully appreciate the caliber and strength of the competition, specifically that you are consistently playing against the same top players. `Joaco` (Niemann) is winning while competing weekly against players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson, among others. He faces that consistent high level of competition every week, and it`s challenging for people to truly comprehend that and recognize its significance while the league is still establishing itself.”
Preparation for Oakmont
Phil Mickelson, Joaquín Niemann, and other LIV Golf players feel that the course conditions this week at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, a venue that has hosted four Presidents Cups and the 2024 Solheim Cup, provides suitable preparation for the U.S. Open next week.
Mickelson specifically highlighted the similarities, saying, “The greens here are rolling between 14 and 15 on the Stimpmeter, comparable to what we anticipate next week. The course features contours and undulations similar to Oakmont. Short game skills, finesse, chipping around the greens, navigating the rough, green speed, distance control on longer putts—all these aspects are crucial here, just as they will be next week. This venue provides an ideal setting for preparation.”
During the last U.S. Open held at Oakmont in 2016, the winning score by Dustin Johnson was 4-under par (276). Only four competitors finished the tournament with scores below par.
Niemann commented on the expected difficulty of Oakmont, stating, “It`s going to be tough. I anticipate it being a significant challenge. The greens will be extremely fast, so I don`t expect many short birdie putts from five or six feet. I believe success will heavily depend on strategically positioning your approach shots to leave uphill putts whenever possible, as those will be less challenging.”
He added, “The course setup is designed so that winning scores are often over par. Therefore, ultimately, I feel it won`t be about who makes the most birdies, but rather who minimizes bogeys and avoids mistakes.”