Paige Spiranac Sparks Controversy Over Oakmont’s Tough US Open Setup Amid Professional Golfers’ Complaints the Course Plays Like a Landfill
Paige Spiranac, the former professional golfer turned social media influencer, has once again stirred the golfing world with her candid remarks about the challenging conditions at Oakmont Country Club, the host venue for the 2025 US Open, scheduled from June 12 to 15. Known for her outspoken takes and massive online following, Spiranac recently weighed in on the debate surrounding Oakmont’s notoriously difficult setup, which has drawn sharp criticism from top professional golfers like Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Aberg. Some players have gone so far as to compare the course’s punishing conditions to a “landfill,” citing its thick rough, lightning-fast greens, and overall unrelenting layout. Spiranac’s response, however, has sparked both support and controversy, as she defended the course’s difficulty while taking a subtle jab at complaining pros.
In a widely circulated video alongside golf content creator Roger Steele, Spiranac recounted her recent experience playing Oakmont during the USGA’s Creator’s Day. Describing the course as “thicker than a bowl of oatmeal,” she highlighted the dense five-inch rough and slick greens that make Oakmont one of the most formidable challenges in golf. The course, located in Plum, Pennsylvania, has a storied history, having hosted the US Open ten times, including Jack Nicklaus’ iconic 1962 victory over Arnold Palmer. Recently renovated by architect Gil Hanse, Oakmont has been lengthened by 153 yards and now features expanded greens spanning 24,000 square feet, all while preserving its classic design. These changes have only amplified its reputation as a brutal test of skill, with Spiranac noting that even a shot landing just one yard off-target can lead to disaster, as she learned firsthand when a 116-yard approach shot landed her in a bunker, resulting in a double bogey.
Spiranac’s take on the complaints from professional golfers was direct and unapologetic. “We’re hosting pros, not golf influencers,” she quipped, emphasizing that the US Open is meant to be the ultimate test for the world’s best players. Her comment was a pointed response to players like DeChambeau, who described the rough as “complete guesswork” and admitted that certain lies were “cooked beyond belief.” Aberg echoed similar frustrations, noting the course’s ability to “humble even the best.” Spiranac’s stance has divided fans and players alike. Supporters argue that she’s right to defend Oakmont’s difficulty, as the US Open is designed to push golfers to their limits, separating the elite from the merely talented. Critics, however, accuse her of dismissing legitimate concerns, with some suggesting her comments undermine the struggles of professionals who face intense pressure to perform under such conditions.
The controversy surrounding Oakmont’s setup is not new. The course has long been known for its punishing nature, with its deep bunkers, undulating greens, and tight fairways. DeChambeau’s YouTube video documenting his struggles at Oakmont went viral, showcasing the course’s ability to frustrate even a US Open champion. He described a par-3 sixth hole where his ball vanished into the rough, leaving him with little chance of recovery. Tiger Woods, a three-time US Open winner, offered a more traditional perspective, stating that Oakmont demands precision and mental toughness, qualities that define a true champion. Spiranac’s alignment with this view has fueled debates about whether modern golfers are too quick to complain about challenging conditions or if courses like Oakmont are unfairly brutal.
Spiranac’s own history with Oakmont adds depth to her commentary. During her visit for the USGA Creator’s Day, she played alongside Steele, Kyle Berkshire, and Evan Thompson, shooting an impressive 3-under par, including birdies on the 12th, 14th, and 16th holes. Her performance underscored her skill, honed during her collegiate career at the University of Arizona and San Diego State, where she earned All-Mountain West Conference honors and led her team to a championship in 2015. Though her professional career was brief, with a single win on the Cactus Tour in 2016, Spiranac has leveraged her golfing expertise and charisma to amass over four million Instagram followers and a YouTube channel with nearly 450,000 subscribers. Her vlog from Oakmont, titled “Playing Oakmont Under Par,” has garnered tens of thousands of views, with fans praising her insights and humor.
The “landfill” comparison, attributed to some players’ frustrations, has also drawn attention to Oakmont’s aesthetic changes. Spiranac noted that the removal of thousands of trees has opened up better views for spectators, making the course not only a test for players but also a visual spectacle for fans. She highlighted the 13th hole as a prime spot for spectators to catch action on both the front and back nines during the upcoming US Open. However, the course’s difficulty remains its defining feature, with some players, like Justin Thomas, suggesting that its toughness could “psych out” competitors, giving an edge to those with stronger mental fortitude.
Spiranac’s comments have reignited discussions about the balance between challenge and fairness in golf. While she advocates for Oakmont’s grueling setup as a fitting stage for professionals, her critics argue that her perspective as an influencer, rather than a current pro, limits her understanding of the pressures at stake. Nevertheless, her ability to spark conversation and engage millions of fans underscores her influence in the sport. As the 2025 US Open approaches, all eyes will be on Oakmont to see if it crowns a champion who can tame its unforgiving fairways or if the “landfill” complaints will persist. For now, Spiranac remains unapologetic, standing firm in her belief that the best golfers should rise to the occasion, no matter how thick the rough or fast the greens.
