The 2025 U.S. Open teed off at the challenging Oakmont Country Club, and as expected, the day brought plenty of drama, shock, and standout performances.
With a brutal scoring average of nearly 5-over par, it was a rough day for most, including some of the game’s biggest stars. But it was also a moment for unexpected names to shine.
J.J. Spaun Shines with Bogey-Free Round
While most of the field battled just to stay close to par, J.J. Spaun delivered a flawless 4-under 66, tying the best opening round ever at Oakmont during a U.S. Open. He avoided any bogeys and managed to stay focused throughout.
“I didn’t have any experience here, so I just played the course one shot at a time,” said Spaun, who is only playing in his second U.S. Open. “I scrambled well, hit some good shots, and took my birdie chances when I could.”
Scottie Scheffler Stumbles
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the favorite coming into the tournament, had a tough day. Despite a strong start, he finished with a 6-over 73, his third-worst U.S. Open round ever.
Poor putting, a few loose swings, and Oakmont’s tough conditions all added to his struggles. Scheffler now sits seven shots behind the leader.
Si Woo Kim’s Humor and Hard Play
Si Woo Kim became a fan favorite after joking that he didn’t know what he was doing—even though he shot 2-under. He hit the ball well from tee to green but struggled with putting, missing six putts inside 8 feet. Still, his honesty and solid iron play kept him near the top of the leaderboard.
Koepka Bounces Back After Harsh Coaching
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, entered the U.S. Open under the radar after poor form. But a strong 2-under round brought him back into the spotlight.
Koepka credited his swing coach for a tough Monday session that helped him reset mentally and physically. “Pete Cowen really got into me,” Koepka said. “Sometimes you need someone to be honest with you.”
Jon Rahm Returns to Form
Jon Rahm shot 1-under, a solid start after missing last year’s U.S. Open due to injury. Playing alongside Jordan Spieth, Rahm looked focused and steady, continuing his strong recent form following a good run at the PGA Championship.
Robert MacIntyre Impresses
Robert MacIntyre, the Scotsman who won his national open last year, said his even-par 70 was one of the best rounds of his career. “Every shot felt like it was on a knife’s edge,” he said. Oakmont’s tricky greens and tough setups made the round especially challenging.
Bryson DeChambeau Misses Opportunities
Despite a 1-over 73, Bryson DeChambeau felt he left shots out there. A few three-putts and missed chances on scoreable holes kept him from going low. “I just couldn’t figure out the speed of the greens,” he said. Still, DeChambeau remains within striking distance heading into Round 2.
Two Very Different Finishes
The layout of Oakmont played tricks on players depending on where they finished their round. Those finishing on the back nine, like Xander Schauffele, had chances to bounce back with birdies.
Meanwhile, Ludvig Åberg and Rory McIlroy saw their strong starts fade away, especially on Oakmont’s brutal front nine. Rory, for example, shot 33 on the back but came home in 41 for a rough finish.
The first round of the 2025 U.S. Open showed why Oakmont is one of the toughest tests in golf. While favorites like Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau struggled, surprise names like J.J. Spaun and Si Woo Kim rose to the occasion.
With three more rounds to go, there’s still plenty of golf to be played—and more surprises surely await.
