OAKMONT. – June 12, 2025 —
Oakmont has a reputation for breaking golfers, not records. But on the opening morning of the 2025 U.S. Open, one player flipped the script, shattering a USGA record that few thought would ever fall—especially here.
A Historic Nine Holes
In stunning fashion, a competitor delivered the lowest nine-hole score in U.S. Open history during Thursday’s early rounds. While the USGA has yet to officially release the full details, word quickly spread across the course: something historic had just happened.
For a brief moment, the famed Oakmont layout — long regarded as one of golf’s most punishing tests — looked almost gettable. But as always, the respite was short-lived.
Oakmont’s Relentless Challenge
This is still Oakmont, after all—a course that’s humbled generations of golfers. Its impossibly narrow fairways, lightning-fast greens, deep rough, and the ever-menacing “Church Pew” bunkers have ruined scorecards for over a century. In nine previous U.S. Opens here, barely anyone has finished under par for the tournament.
Coming into this week, even stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau acknowledged they were bracing for survival mode rather than chasing birdies. Oakmont simply doesn’t allow many opportunities for record-breaking performances.
A Rare Window of Opportunity
The conditions Thursday morning were briefly favorable. An overnight rain softened the greens, winds remained calm, and one player capitalized fully—stringing together birdies (and perhaps an eagle) to post a score never before seen over nine holes in U.S. Open competition.
But as the sun climbed and the course dried out, Oakmont quickly reclaimed its reputation. The greens firmed up, the rough thickened, and scoring conditions tightened once again.
The Road Ahead
Though that historic stretch provided a flash of brilliance, Oakmont will likely show its teeth for the rest of the tournament. Afternoon groups and Friday’s pairings will face firmer conditions and the USGA’s full course setup. Sub-par rounds will continue to be rare commodities.
Still, the early record-setter has proven that even Oakmont can yield, if only for a moment. The field now knows it’s possible — though duplicating the feat may be next to impossible.
Takeaway:
An extraordinary nine-hole run provided a rare crack in Oakmont’s armor and etched a new mark in U.S. Open history. The course, however, remains as daunting as ever—and likely won’t be so generous again.
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