U.S. Open 2025 Preview: Ranking the Field at Oakmont

OAKMONT, Pa. — Could the U.S. Open, often considered the toughest test in men`s professional golf, become even more challenging at Oakmont Country Club, the venue for this year`s 125th championship?

Initial reports from tour professionals who have recently scouted the revamped course near Pittsburgh have used terms like `carnage,` `cooked beyond belief,` and the `hardest course in the world.`

Prepare for a demanding week where surviving ankle-high rough, narrowed fairways, the notorious Church Pews bunker, and incredibly fast and firm greens will be paramount. Many golfers may feel like they are putting downhill on ice.

“Several players have told me it`s the hardest course they`ve ever played,” Xander Schauffele noted. “That`s the main point most people make, without much detail on why. Just that it`s long, the rough is impenetrable, and you might find yourself hitting 50-yard pitches to scramble for par on almost every hole.”

This marks the 10th time Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open, a testament to the United States Golf Association`s preference for the course when seeking to provide the most difficult test of the season.

“I`d say all the rumors and talk are pretty accurate,” added Justin Thomas, who played a practice round at Oakmont recently.

Here is a breakdown of the field, categorizing players into favorites, contenders, hopefuls, qualifiers, and amateurs:

Tier I: The Clear Favorite

Scottie Scheffler

Dismiss any idea of a slow start for Scheffler. The world No. 1 arrives at Oakmont Country Club in sensational form, having won three of his last four tournaments by a combined 17 strokes, including a recent victory at the Memorial Tournament. He has become incredibly clutch, converting his last seven 54-hole leads. Scheffler has positive memories from Oakmont, having shot a 1-under 69 in his first major round here as a 19-year-old amateur in the 2016 U.S. Open, though he missed the cut after a second-round 78. If he maintains accuracy off the tee, he will be exceedingly hard to beat.

Tier II: The Contenders

These golfers possess the game, resilience, and composure needed to navigate four high-pressure rounds on a course traditionally set up to be the toughest in majors.

Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau claimed his second U.S. Open title at Pinehurst despite hitting less than ideal fairways (57%). His victory was built on powerful driving (310.9-yard average), solid iron play, and exceptional putting. He will need greater tee-shot accuracy at Oakmont, a facet he noted needed improvement after the Masters and PGA Championship. Notably, he has finished T6 or better in five of the last six majors.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy seeks redemption after last year`s U.S. Open at Pinehurst, where he lost a two-stroke lead late in the final round, missing crucial short putts. He finished one shot behind DeChambeau. McIlroy missed the cut in his only previous appearance at Oakmont nine years ago. Recent struggles with driving accuracy, including missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open after hitting only 13 fairways in two rounds, are a concern. He reportedly planned to test new drivers ahead of the tournament.

Collin Morikawa

The two-time major champion has been a runner-up twice this season. Morikawa`s last win was in October 2023. An end to this drought seems likely soon. His game is marked by excellent driving accuracy (72.9%) and world-class ball striking (67.6% greens in regulation).

Jon Rahm

The LIV Golf star was in contention at the PGA Championship before faltering on the back nine. Rahm, winner of the 2021 U.S. Open, has finished T12 or better in four of his last five starts in this event. However, his driving accuracy was poor at Quail Hollow, which would be detrimental at Oakmont.

Russell Henley

Henley won his fifth PGA Tour event this season at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has followed with strong finishes (T8 at RBC Heritage, T5 at Memorial). He tied for seventh at the 2024 U.S. Open. Henley excels in strokes gained: approach (16th) and around the green (11th), and is accurate off the tee (T12th), all beneficial at Oakmont.

Sepp Straka

Straka is arguably one of the most underrated players, with two wins this season and five top-10s and 11 top-25s in 13 starts, solidifying his Ryder Cup position. After missing cuts at the Masters and PGA Championship, he`ll look to rebound. His strengths include driving accuracy (68.5%), leading the tour in greens in regulation (71.4%), and strong putting (17th in strokes gained).

Xander Schauffele

Schauffele`s putting is improving after a rib injury. He could achieve the third leg of a career Grand Slam after winning the PGA Championship and Open Championship last year. Remarkably, he has seven top-10 finishes in eight U.S. Open starts, including T7 last year.

Ludvig Åberg

Inconsistency is the main barrier for Åberg reaching the very top. The 25-year-old Swede won the Genesis Invitational and finished solo seventh at the Masters. Despite lower rankings in strokes gained total, approach, and putting, his overall game seems well-suited for a U.S. Open challenge.

Hideki Matsuyama

The 2019 Masters champion missed the cut at the PGA Championship, ending a streak of 19 consecutive cuts made in majors. He has two top-10s in the last three U.S. Opens, but his driving accuracy (55.3%) is a potential issue at Oakmont.

Justin Thomas

JT has cooled slightly after a hot start to the season, which included a playoff win and three runner-up finishes. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and was T31 at the Memorial, hampered by a high opening round, although he played better on the weekend.

Shane Lowry

Aside from a missed cut at the PGA Championship, the Irishman has been consistent, preparing for his return to Royal Portrush. He was a runner-up at the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont, leading by four shots entering the final round before finishing three behind Dustin Johnson.

Harris English

English won in January and achieved a career-best major finish by tying for second at the PGA Championship. If he sharpens his iron play and short game, his strong putting could put him in contention again.

Patrick Cantlay

Cantlay hasn`t won in over two and a half years but was in the mix late at Pinehurst, finishing T3. He ranks in the top 10 in strokes gained total and approach.

Justin Rose

The 2013 U.S. Open winner was runner-up at the 2024 Open Championship and lost in a playoff at the Masters, indicating he`s still capable of contending. However, he has missed the cut in four of his last five U.S. Open appearances.

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood consistently finishes in the top 25, with top-22 results in all but two of his starts this season. He is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory.

Viktor Hovland

Hovland`s journey with his swing is ongoing, but he appears to be in a better place recently. He remains an excellent iron player with sufficient driving accuracy, but his short game and putting on Oakmont`s challenging greens will be crucial.

Aaron Rai

Accuracy off the tee is paramount at Oakmont, and Rai leads the tour in this category (73.4%). Success this week will also depend on his performance on the greens.

Tyrrell Hatton

USGA course setups haven`t typically favored Hatton, with only one top-10 finish (T6 in 2018). He has been playing like one of the world`s best golfers recently.

Corey Conners

The Canadian is accurate off the tee (68.8%) and hits most greens (70%), with improved putting this season. He tied for ninth at Pinehurst last year.

Ben Griffin

Griffin, a former college player who briefly worked as a mortgage officer, has had a remarkable season, winning the Zurich Classic team event and his first individual title at the Charles Schwab Challenge. He was runner-up at the Memorial Tournament and shows no signs of slowing down, making his U.S. Open debut intriguing.

Joaquín Niemann

A four-time winner on the LIV Golf League this year, Niemann secured his first major top-10 with a T8 at the PGA Championship. This could be the breakthrough needed for him to make noise in major championships.

Tier III: If Everything Goes Right (Sleepers)

This group consists of potential dark horses who could hoist the trophy if they bring their A-game to Oakmont. It includes former major winners, rising talents, and players who have shown flashes of form this season.

• Tony Finau: Showed signs of resurgence with top-20s at the Truist Championship and PGA Championship, where he finished T3 last year.
• Brian Harman: Won the 2023 Open Championship in tough conditions and has made the cut in the last five U.S. Opens. Recently won the Valero Texas Open and was T3 at RBC Heritage.
• Cameron Smith: His putting prowess could make him a good fit, but missed cuts in recent majors raise questions about his consistency on LIV Golf.
• Matt Fitzpatrick: His T8 at the PGA Championship suggests a return to form. Won the 2022 U.S. Open in difficult conditions.
• Jordan Spieth: Since his 2015 U.S. Open win, he has only one top-20 finish (T19) in nine starts. Needs his game to fully click.
• Brooks Koepka: A two-time U.S. Open winner, but hasn`t had a major top-10 since winning the 2023 PGA Championship and missed the cut in the first two majors this year.
• Min Woo Lee: Known as `Dr. Chipinski`, he has three strong U.S. Open finishes, including T5 two years ago. Form hasn`t been great since the Masters.
• Sam Burns: Has played better recently after a slow start to the majors. Was T9 at the 2024 U.S. Open and leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained: putting, crucial for Oakmont.
• Ryan Fox: Earned his spot by winning the RBC Canadian Open playoff. His second win in four starts.
• Andrew Novak: A breakout performer this season, winning the Zurich Classic with Griffin and runner-up at the RBC Heritage. Second U.S. Open start.
• Patrick Reed: Consistent contender at the Masters but lacks similar success in the U.S. Open, with a single top-10 (solo 4th in 2018).
• Robert MacIntyre: The Scot won two national championships last year. Described Oakmont as “absolute carnage on a simulator.”
• Daniel Berger: Has multiple U.S. Open top-10s but missed recent cuts after playing well earlier.
• Davis Riley: Had a breakthrough major finish, tying for second at the PGA Championship.
• Tom Kim: Three consecutive U.S. Open finishes of T26 or better, including T8 in 2023. Has struggled recently.
• Maverick McNealy: His first U.S. Open start since qualifying as an amateur in 2014.
• Akshay Bhatia: Showing better form lately after a lull. Was T16 at the 2024 U.S. Open and has the necessary touch around the greens.
• Thomas Detry: Not highly accurate off the tee (56.6%) and inconsistent with irons, but putts exceptionally well and was T14 at Pinehurst last year.
• Si Woo Kim: Recently recorded the longest ace in major history. Could he conjure more magic?
• Keegan Bradley: Missed the cut in four of his last six U.S. Opens, but tied for seventh in 2022.
• Jason Day: Was T8 the last time Oakmont hosted. Missed the cut at the PGA Championship due to a wrist injury.
• J.T. Poston: Achieved a career-best T5 at the PGA Championship, with good form prior to a recent missed cut.
• Denny McCarthy: Three straight solid U.S. Open finishes (T7 in 2022). His putting provides a chance to contend.
• Michael Kim: Cooled off after a strong spring. Third U.S. Open start, was low amateur in 2013.
• Davis Thompson: Immensely talented but inconsistent. T9 at Pinehurst last year was his best major finish.
• Dustin Johnson: Won the last U.S. Open at Oakmont amid scoring controversy. Has not been a factor in majors recently.
• Wyndham Clark: Form has dipped, and inaccuracy off the tee (56.5%) coupled with inconsistent iron play (63.8%) does not bode well for Oakmont.
• Sungjae Im: Accurate driver (68.7%), but has missed the cut in his last three U.S. Open starts.
• J.J. Spaun: Two-time runner-up this season. Missed the cut in his only prior U.S. Open start (2021).
• Jacob Bridgeman: A potential dark horse. Excellent putter with multiple top-10s this season and performed well at Oakmont in the 2021 U.S. Amateur.
• Rasmus Højgaard: Five-time winner on the DP World Tour. Missed the cut in his only prior U.S. Open (2020).
• Joe Highsmith: Breakout performer with a win at the Cognizant Classic and T8 at the PGA Championship.
• Ryan Gerard: Looks to build on a surprising T8 finish at the PGA Championship.
• Lucas Glover: Putting has gone cold, limiting his contention this season. Missed the cut in both his previous U.S. Open starts at Oakmont (2007, 2016).
• Matthieu Pavon: First French winner on the PGA Tour this year. Was solo fifth at Pinehurst last year.
• Nick Taylor: Five-time PGA Tour winner but seeking success in majors.
• Taylor Pendrith: Another Canadian golfer with top-20s in recent majors (T16 at 2024 U.S. Open, T5 at PGA Championship).
• Adam Scott: The 2013 Masters champion`s best major results are likely behind him, with one top-10 since the 2019 U.S. Open.
• Cameron Young: Had to qualify for the field but has shown improved form lately.
• Bud Cauley: Returns to the U.S. Open after an eight-year absence due to injuries.
• Stephan Jager: T21 at the 2024 U.S. Open. Started strong at the PGA Championship before fading.

Tier IV: Hey, Miracles Happen (Long Shots)

These players are not expected to be among the front-runners unless they find exceptional form this week. This tier includes veteran players and tour regulars.

• Gary Woodland
• Brian Campbell
• Cam Davis
• Laurie Canter
• Mackenzie Hughes
• Jhonattan Vegas: Was T5 at the PGA Championship after leading early. Never finished in the top 40 at the U.S. Open.
• Nico Echavarria
• Max Greyserman
• Sam Stevens
• Emiliano Grillo
• Matt Wallace
• Marc Leishman: 14 wins worldwide, including on LIV Golf. Capable if form is right.
• Chris Kirk: Six-time tour winner. Capable if form is right.
• Tom Hoge
• Christiaan Bezuidenhout
• Byeong Hun An
• Thriston Lawrence
• Mark Hubbard
• Lanto Griffin
• Justin Lower
• Richard Bland
• Eric Cole
• Doug Ghim
• Carlos Ortiz

Tier V: Happy to Make the Cut

These players are unlikely contenders unless something extraordinary happens this week.

• Phil Mickelson: Acknowledged this might be his last chance to complete the career Grand Slam via his exemption. The 54-year-old six-time U.S. Open runner-up has missed the cut in four of his last five starts and hasn`t finished top 40 since 2014.
• Nick Dunlap: Won twice last season as an amateur and rookie but has struggled significantly since turning pro, missing six of his last nine cuts. Hasn`t made a major cut in five appearances over the past two seasons.
• Matt McCarty
• Erik van Rooyen
• Thorbjørn Olesen
• Victor Perez
• Niklas Nørgaard
• Zac Blair
• Chris Gotterup
• Will Chandler
• Trevor Cone
• James Hahn
• Adam Schenk

Tier VI: The Qualifiers

This group includes the 65 players who earned their spots through local and final qualifying, excluding those already mentioned in higher tiers. The last qualifier to win the U.S. Open was Lucas Glover in 2009.

• Yuta Sugiura
• James Nicholas: Played football at Yale before golf. Grandfather was a famous surgeon. Was Ivy League Player of the Year in 2019.
• Roberto Díaz
• Ben James
• Zach Bauchou
• Scott Vincent
• Jordan Smith
• Joakim Lagergren
• Jinichiro Kozuma
• Guido Migliozzi
• Frédéric Lacroix
• Sam Bairstow
• Edoardo Molinari
• Jacques Kruyswijk
• Andrea Pavan
• Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
• Alistair Docherty
• Johnny Keefer
• Alvaro Ortiz
• Emilio Gonzalez
• Trent Phillips
• George Kneiser
• Chandler Blanchet
• Justin Hicks: The 50-year-old golf instructor held a share of the first-round lead at the 2008 U.S. Open.
• Philip Barbaree Jr.
• Jackson Buchanan
• Ryan McCormick
• Bryan Lee
• Harrison Ott
• Grant Haefner: Earned his spot dramatically by sinking a 60-foot putt on the final hole of qualifying.
• George Duangmanee
• Kevin Velo
• Brady Calkins
• Joey Herrera
• Austen Truslow
• Chase Johnson
• Matthew Jordan
• Takumi Kanaya
• Riki Kawamoto
• Riley Lewis
• Maxwell Moldovan

Tier VII: The Amateurs

Fifteen amateur players are in the field, many hoping to emulate past stars who won low amateur honors before turning pro. Nine advanced through final qualifying, bringing compelling stories.

• Jose Luis Ballester
• Noah Kent
• Evan Beck
• Trevor Gutschewski: High school graduate heading to Florida. His father and brother are also professional golfers. Won his spot by capturing the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur.
• Michael La Sasso: Junior at Ole Miss. Earned his spot by winning the NCAA Division I individual national championship.
• Justin Hastings
• Lance Simpson
• Cameron Tankersley: La Sasso`s teammate at Ole Miss, also qualified.
• Frankie Harris
• Mason Howell: A 17-year-old high school senior committed to the University of Georgia. Qualified with an impressive 18-under par performance without a bogey.
• Tyler Weaver
• Jackson Koivun
• Matt Vogt: A 34-year-old dentist from Pittsburgh who used to caddie at Oakmont. Qualified as medalist in Washington, dedicating his play to his late father.
• Preston Summerhays
• Zachery Pollo