As the 125th U.S. Open approaches, all eyes are on Justin Thomas, the World No. 5 golfer, who is gearing up to tackle the formidable Oakmont Country Club in pursuit of his third Major championship. Known for its brutal rough, lightning-fast greens, and unrelenting demands on precision, Oakmont is a course that has humbled even the greatest players in golf history. Yet, Thomas, with two PGA Championships already under his belt (2017 and 2022), is ready to embrace the challenge and add a U.S. Open title to his illustrious resume.
Thomas arrives at Oakmont in fine form, fresh off a victory at the RBC Heritage in April, where he ended a nearly three-year winless drought on the PGA Tour. His performance at Harbour Town, where he carded rounds of 61, 69, 69, and 68 to finish at 17-under-par, showcased the kind of precision and mental fortitude that will be crucial at Oakmont. With six top-10 finishes in 13 starts this season, Thomas has demonstrated a resurgence after a challenging period in 2023 and 2024, when he slipped outside the world’s top 30 for the first time in over seven years. His recent consistency, coupled with a renewed sense of patience, has him poised to contend at one of golf’s toughest venues.
Oakmont, hosting its 10th U.S. Open, is notorious for its punishing setup. In 2007, Ángel Cabrera claimed victory at 5-over-par, with the field averaging a grueling 5.6 strokes over par per round—the highest scoring average at any U.S. Open this century. In 2016, Dustin Johnson won at 4-under-par, navigating controversy and a rain-soaked course to secure his first Major. This year, with over 10 inches of rain already drenching the Pittsburgh area and more expected, the course is likely to play even tougher. The thick rough, a tangled mix of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and poa annua, reaches up to five inches, and the fairways, averaging just 28 yards wide, demand pinpoint accuracy. Thomas, reflecting on the conditions, remarked on social media, “It’s still tough. I would say all of the rumors and everything are pretty on point.”
Thomas’s history at Oakmont adds an intriguing layer to his 2025 campaign. During the 2016 U.S. Open, he delivered what he considers one of the best rounds of his career—a second-round 69, despite hitting only four fairways and seven greens in regulation. Chipping in three times, Thomas showcased his exceptional short game and mental resilience, finishing tied for 32nd. “I was beyond exhausted when I got done,” he recalled, noting the grueling nature of the course. Playing alongside Brooks Koepka, who was equally frustrated by Oakmont’s challenges, Thomas’s ability to salvage a score under such conditions speaks to his adaptability—a trait that will be tested again this week.
Preparation has been key for Thomas, who scouted Oakmont two weeks ago before competing in the Memorial Tournament. His practice rounds have focused on mastering the course’s nuances, particularly its treacherous greens and brutal rough. Thomas has emphasized the need for patience and discipline, qualities he’s honed in recent months. “If you just get lazy, on any drive, any wedge shot, any chip, any putt, you can look stupid pretty fast,” he said during a press conference. Yet, he remains unfazed by the course’s reputation, expressing confidence in his ability to create birdie opportunities if he drives well and hits his irons with precision.
Thomas’s bold approach extends beyond his own game. In a viral post on X, he challenged the USGA to allow amateur golfers with handicaps of 5, 10, or 18 to play Oakmont under U.S. Open conditions after the tournament, sparking widespread excitement among fans. The USGA responded cryptically, hinting at the possibility of making it happen. The proposal underscores Thomas’s engagement with the golfing community and his desire to highlight the course’s difficulty for players of all levels.
As the U.S. Open unfolds, Thomas faces stiff competition from the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau, all of whom are eager to conquer Oakmont’s beastly layout. McIlroy, who shot an 81 during a recent practice round, admitted the course’s challenges, while DeChambeau’s power game will be tested by the narrow fairways. For Thomas, the key will be maintaining the mental clarity that fueled his recent success. “I don’t need to hear horror stories. I’ve played it. I know it’s difficult,” he said, exuding the confidence of a player who thrives under pressure.
With his aggressive style and rediscovered form, Thomas is a strong contender to lift the U.S. Open trophy on June 15. A victory at Oakmont would not only mark his third Major but also cement his place among golf’s elite, joining the likes of Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus as champions at this historic venue. As the golfing world watches, Thomas is ready to take on Oakmont’s unrelenting challenge and write the next chapter in his storied career.
