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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rory McIlroy shoots relatable score in Oakmont US Open practice round
The post Rory McIlroy shoots relatable score in Oakmont US Open practice round appeared first on ClutchPoints. The US Open is just days away, and Rory McIlroy is at Oakmont Country Club looking for his sixth major championship. He started this major season by winning The Masters and completing the career Grand Slam. But he has not played well since then, missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open just last week. In his Tuesday press conference, McIlroy admitted to a horrendous practice round score that may leave fans worried ahead of the year's third major. Advertisement 'They had the pins in dicey locations, and greens were running at 15½ (on the Stimpmeter). It was nearly impossible,' McIlroy said, per Paolo Uggetti of ESPN. 'I birdied the last two holes for 81. It felt pretty good. It didn't feel like I played that bad.' McIlroy said that this round came last week, before the Canadian Open. He proceeded to miss the cut in Toronto with a one-over-par 71 and an eight-over-par 78. In 2016, a much younger McIlroy missed the cut at the US Open at Oakmont, which was won by Dustin Johnson. The good news for McIlroy and his fans is that the greens were running faster that day than they will during the tournament. Golf Channel's Todd Lewis reported that the USGA wants to have the greens running between a 14.5 and a 15. But the biggest problem recently for McIlroy has been his driving. He knows how important his driver will be to competing in the US Open. If you miss a fairway here, you can't really do anything with it unless you're in the middle of a fairway bunker and you can get something over the lip.' Advertisement The US Open starts on Thursday, when McIlroy will tee off at 7:40 A.M. with his Ryder Cup teammates Shane Lowry and Justin Rose. If he wins, it would be his sixth major in an epic career. Related: Bryson DeChambeau praises Oakmont by smashing US Open course he won at Related: Rory McIlroy seeks rarified Ben Hogan air at US Open


Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
US open returns to punishing Oakmont: Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau chase glory
Major golf is typically the preserve of the most accomplished professionals in the sport. The US Open stands out as a uniquely democratic adventure through a comprehensive qualifying golfer with a 0.4 handicap index or better is welcome to lay claim to one of the many spots in the field. The 2025 championship accepted a record 10,202 entries, with competitors navigating a rigorous two-stage process beginning with 18-hole local qualifying across 110 sites, followed by 36-hole final qualifying events at 13 venues for those who advance. Sixty-five golfers punched their tickets to Oakmont through the qualification 125th edition of the US Open, and the 10th at Oakmont Country Club, promises to be blinding thriller as 156 fine golfers set sail to rein in an increasingly dominant Scottie Scheffler and an unforgiving course. Sailing the tailwinds from winning the PGA Championship and the Memorial, Scheffler is the star. Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, and Bryson DeChambeau, the defending champion will hope to keep their arrows straight as they chase the world No.1 down the lane to glory. The comprehensive repertoire of Xander Schauffele and the steady irons of Collin Morikawa will also keep the duo in the conversation at Oakmont. Dustin Johnson, the winner of the previous US Open at this venue in 2016, will also fancy his chances, but his recent form on the LIV circuit has been far from impressive. The US Open's open qualifying process has produced compelling stories. Amateur Mason Howell turned in an astounding performance, firing 63s to force his way through the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. Frankie Harris, another amateur, battled through qualifying at Emerald Dunes in Florida. Professional Cameron Young, a rising star with near-miss major finishes, secured his place via a playoff at Kinsale Golf Club, adding excitement to his major pursuit. Tough Course Oakmont Country Club, a 7,372-yard par-70 course, is renowned for its difficulty. Its greens and fairways, firm and fast, demand precision. The rough, at 5 inches, is thick and unforgiving, punishing errant drives. Greens, running at 15 on the Stimpmeter, are lightning-fast, testing putting skills. The course's 175 bunkers, including the iconic Church Pews between holes 3 and 4, and narrow fairways amplify the challenge. Expect the scores to be snippets of agony, reflecting the bleeding mayhem from marching a treacherous path to elusive glory. Just a few strokes below par should be enough to contend on psychological demands of the US Open create a unique crucible that reveals character and separates the gladiators from the invertebrates. Course management and composure are just as vital as accuracy off the tee, and a sharp eye on the pacy, undulating greens. Alpha Male The steady hand and calm mind of Scheffler seem like just the tools necessary to thrive at Oakmont. The American is gaining 3.5 strokes to the round in his past five events, and his disciplined effort at Muirfield (nothing fancy, 70-70-68-70) underlines why he will enter the week as the Alpha was anticipation that McIlroy, free in the mind after completing his set of majors, might play fearless golf. But evidence from the PGA Championship (T47) and the Canadian Open (MC) suggests that he is battling his satiated cells for motivation. We might be in store for a special spectacle if he rises up to the gruelling demands in the two-time US Open champion (2020, 24), has been rock solid in the majors. He was inside the top ten in five of the last six majors. He has been putting well recently, but Oakmont punishes the slightest drift off the tee, and DeChambeau might find this hard to deal with this has been made of Jon Rahm's top ten streak (21) on LIV Golf. Importantly though, Rahm was tied for the lead on Sunday at Quail Hollow before suffering an uncharacteristic meltdown over the final three holes. The Spaniard will be eager to erase those memories and prove yet again that he belongs with the best. Rahm has two top ten finishes in the last three majors, and a T14 in the Masters this April. Oakmont will afford Rahm just the inspiration he needs to reclaim some territory from his PGA Tour has an astounding record in the US Open. In eight attempts, the lowest finish is a T14 in 2022. The two-time major champion secured a top 10 on every other visit to the tournament. He will bring that confidence to Oakmont, and his ability to thrive on setups that demand all round brilliance. Expect him to force his way into the conversation again on Sunday even if it might not be enough to take the whole the LIV Golf side of the ropes, Joaquin Niemann will tee off yet again trying to prove his detractors wrong. He has won four events this season, but he might draw the most inspiration from a T8 in the PGA Championship, his best result in a ready to spill some popcorn on the couch and carpet. You will agonise with the best and shrivel in fear and frustration as Oakmont wreaks havoc, drawing blood and tears from the very best. Thankfully, you can kneel and pray as the players walk in trepidation between the third and fourth holes, past the Church Pews. It is an iconic 100-yard hazard with a dozen ridges, and a poignant passage of redemption or dereliction at the Oakmont Country Club.


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
US open returns to punishing Oakmont: Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau chase glory
Major golf is typically the preserve of the most accomplished professionals in the sport. The US Open stands out as a uniquely democratic adventure through a comprehensive qualifying system. Any golfer with a 0.4 handicap index or better is welcome to lay claim to one of the many spots in the field. The 2025 championship accepted a record 10,202 entries, with competitors navigating a rigorous two-stage process beginning with 18-hole local qualifying across 110 sites, followed by 36-hole final qualifying events at 13 venues for those who advance. Sixty-five golfers punched their tickets to Oakmont through the qualification system. The 125th edition of the US Open, and the 10th at Oakmont Country Club , promises to be blinding thriller as 156 fine golfers set sail to rein in an increasingly dominant Scottie Scheffler and an unforgiving course. Sailing the tailwinds from winning the PGA Championship and the Memorial, Scheffler is the star. Rory McIlroy , the Masters champion, and Bryson DeChambeau , the defending champion will hope to keep their arrows straight as they chase the world No.1 down the lane to glory. The comprehensive repertoire of Xander Schauffele and the steady irons of Collin Morikawa will also keep the duo in the conversation at Oakmont. Dustin Johnson, the winner of the previous US Open at this venue in 2016, will also fancy his chances, but his recent form on the LIV circuit has been far from impressive. Live Events The US Open's open qualifying process has produced compelling stories. Amateur Mason Howell turned in an astounding performance, firing 63s to force his way through the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. Frankie Harris, another amateur, battled through qualifying at Emerald Dunes in Florida. Professional Cameron Young, a rising star with near-miss major finishes, secured his place via a playoff at Kinsale Golf Club, adding excitement to his major pursuit. Tough Course Oakmont Country Club, a 7,372-yard par-70 course, is renowned for its difficulty. Its greens and fairways, firm and fast, demand precision. The rough, at 5 inches, is thick and unforgiving, punishing errant drives. Greens, running at 15 on the Stimpmeter, are lightning-fast, testing putting skills. The course's 175 bunkers, including the iconic Church Pews between holes 3 and 4, and narrow fairways amplify the challenge. Expect the scores to be snippets of agony, reflecting the bleeding mayhem from marching a treacherous path to elusive glory. Just a few strokes below par should be enough to contend on Sunday. The psychological demands of the US Open create a unique crucible that reveals character and separates the gladiators from the invertebrates. Course management and composure are just as vital as accuracy off the tee, and a sharp eye on the pacy, undulating greens. Alpha Male The steady hand and calm mind of Scheffler seem like just the tools necessary to thrive at Oakmont. The American is gaining 3.5 strokes to the round in his past five events, and his disciplined effort at Muirfield (nothing fancy, 70-70-68-70) underlines why he will enter the week as the Alpha male. There was anticipation that McIlroy, free in the mind after completing his set of majors, might play fearless golf. But evidence from the PGA Championship (T47) and the Canadian Open (MC) suggests that he is battling his satiated cells for motivation. We might be in store for a special spectacle if he rises up to the gruelling demands in Pittsburgh. DeChambeau, the two-time US Open champion (2020, 24), has been rock solid in the majors. He was inside the top ten in five of the last six majors. He has been putting well recently, but Oakmont punishes the slightest drift off the tee, and DeChambeau might find this hard to deal with this week. Much has been made of Jon Rahm's top ten streak (21) on LIV Golf. Importantly though, Rahm was tied for the lead on Sunday at Quail Hollow before suffering an uncharacteristic meltdown over the final three holes. The Spaniard will be eager to erase those memories and prove yet again that he belongs with the best. Rahm has two top ten finishes in the last three majors, and a T14 in the Masters this April. Oakmont will afford Rahm just the inspiration he needs to reclaim some territory from his PGA Tour rivals. Schauffele has an astounding record in the US Open. In eight attempts, the lowest finish is a T14 in 2022. The two-time major champion secured a top 10 on every other visit to the tournament. He will bring that confidence to Oakmont, and his ability to thrive on setups that demand all round brilliance. Expect him to force his way into the conversation again on Sunday even if it might not be enough to take the whole cake. On the LIV Golf side of the ropes, Joaquin Niemann will tee off yet again trying to prove his detractors wrong. He has won four events this season, but he might draw the most inspiration from a T8 in the PGA Championship, his best result in a major. Be ready to spill some popcorn on the couch and carpet. You will agonise with the best and shrivel in fear and frustration as Oakmont wreaks havoc, drawing blood and tears from the very best. Thankfully, you can kneel and pray as the players walk in trepidation between the third and fourth holes, past the Church Pews. It is an iconic 100-yard hazard with a dozen ridges, and a poignant passage of redemption or dereliction at the Oakmont Country Club.

NBC Sports
09-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
'Maybe I'm just sick': Xander Schauffele loves a major challenge like Oakmont
OAKMONT, Pa. — Xander Schauffele wrapped up nine holes of the most punishing U.S. Open course and was smiling. This was on a Monday, only a practice round at Oakmont. But the image illustrates why Schauffele rarely seems to suffer at the major reputed to be the toughest test in golf. He has finished out of the top 10 only once in his eight previous U.S. Open appearances. His highest score is a 75 in the third round at Brookline in 2022. He tied for 14th that week. 'Maybe I'm just sick and enjoy the challenge,' Schauffele said with another smile. 'Something about it playing really hard. I think a good attitude goes a long way. It's obviously easier said than done, hard to keep a good attitude through the entire stretch of 72 holes, practice rounds as well. I don't know. I think they're a lot of fun.' The attitude will be tested at Oakmont, the course with rough that looks like a cabbage and greens so fast it can feel like putting in a bathtub. The Stimpmeter was developed after the inventor read about Gene Sarazen hitting a putt into a bunker at Oakmont. Schauffele still hasn't figured out the winning part of it, at least not at the U.S. Open. Despite his top-10s, he has yet to seriously challenge in the final hour. This year presents a different test for the 31-year-old Californian, who broke through last year in the biggest events by winning the PGA Championship and the British Open . He is still trying to find his groove after missing two months with a rib injury that significantly slowed the start of his season. That was a serious challenge — sitting at home, resting, doing next to nothing. 'I felt like I was playing at a pretty high level. Then I got hurt,' he said. 'My expectations of what I knew I could do to where I was were different. And accepting that was tough. I think that was sort of the biggest wake-up call for me coming back.' So a U.S. Open at Oakmont — fun, he calls it — might be a good measure of where he is. Most of the 156 players, and even a few alternates, made their way out to the course on a relatively dry day that should stay that way at least until the weekend. Justin Thomas was among those who came to Oakmont a few weeks ago to get in some serious study, knowing practice rounds can be the biggest grind because they take so long. Everyone is trying to figure out what to do from the rough, where to miss, how to avoid mistakes. Brentley Romine, Dustin Johnson played nine holes, his first time back at Oakmont since he won his first major nine years ago. He played the final seven holes not knowing if the USGA was going to penalize him for his golf ball moving on the fifth green. That's some serious mental toughness. There have been a few changes, including even fewer trees. 'The course is just as hard as I remember, if not harder,' Johnson said. The USGA likes to test every part of the game, and that includes the mental side of it. Jack Nicklaus, a four-time U.S. Open champion, said he used to listen to players complain in the days leading up to the Open and figure he could rule them out. 'I hope it psyches a lot of players out,' Thomas said. 'I understand this place is hard. I don't need to read articles, or I don't need to hear horror stories. I've played it. I know it's difficult. I also have faith that if I go play well and I'm driving the ball well and I'm hitting my irons like I know I can, I'm going to have a lot of birdie opportunities.' Thomas also mentioned the need to have a good attitude. The definition is different for each player. For him, it's being committed over every shot on every hole and accepting the outcome. 'I think once I start second-guessing myself or not trusting my instincts is kind of where I get myself in trouble,' Thomas said. 'Then when I do that, I naturally am pretty pissed off if it doesn't work out. It wasn't because of the shot, it was more from the lack of commitment. That's where it starts for me generally.' Associated Press, With Schauffele, it can be hard to tell when he loses his cool. And he's not a big believer that anyone throwing a club is costing himself shots. Tiger Woods, who won the U.S. Open three times, was among the best at putting any anger behind him before he settled over his next shot. 'I think I look pretty level-headed when I play, but internally I might be absolutely just thrashing myself,' Schauffele said. 'I think truly having a good attitude is just sort of accepting what happened and allowing yourself to be pretty much at zero to hit the next shot.' It's not just the U.S. Open where Schauffele has shown remarkable consistency. He rallied down the stretch at Quail Hollow to make the cut, and his cut streak is at 65 tournaments going into Oakmont. That's the longest streak since Woods made 142 cuts in a row that ended in 2005. He has game, clearly. And he has the right head for the U.S. Open. 'Part of my attitude thing is we're all playing the same course, and it's going to be hard,' he said. 'You may think something's unfair, but it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. Whoever can deal with it the best is going to play well. That's the attitude I've had — look at it as a fun challenge versus feeling like you're living in a nightmare.'


Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Xander Schauffele is a sick man when it comes to golf's toughest test. He loves the US Open
OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — Xander Schauffele wrapped up nine holes of the most punishing U.S. Open course and was smiling. This was on a Monday, only a practice round at Oakmont. But the image illustrates why Schauffele rarely seems to suffer at the major reputed to be the toughest test in golf. He has finished out of the top 10 only once in his eight previous U.S. Open appearances. His highest score is a 75 in the third round at Brookline in 2022. He tied for 14th that week. 'Maybe I'm just sick and enjoy the challenge,' Schauffele said with another smile. 'Something about it playing really hard. I think a good attitude goes a long way. It's obviously easier said than done, hard to keep a good attitude through the entire stretch of 72 holes, practice rounds as well. I don't know. I think they're a lot of fun.' The attitude will be tested at Oakmont, the course with rough that looks like a cabbage and greens so fast it can feel like putting in a bathtub. The Stimpmeter was developed after the inventor read about Gene Sarazen hitting a putt into a bunker at Oakmont. Schauffele still hasn't figured out the winning part of it, at least not at the U.S. Open. Despite his top 10s, he has yet to seriously challenge in the final hour. This year presents a different test for the 31-year-old Californian, who broke through last year in the biggest events by winning the PGA Championship and the British Open . He is still trying to find his groove after missing two months with a rib injury that significantly slowed the start of his season. That was a serious challenge — sitting at home, resting, doing next to nothing. 'I felt like I was playing at a pretty high level. Then I got hurt,' he said. 'My expectations of what I knew I could do to where I was were different. And accepting that was tough. I think that was sort of the biggest wake-up call for me coming back.' So a U.S. Open at Oakmont — fun, he calls it — might be a good measure of where he is. Most of the 156 players, and even a few alternates, made their way out to the course on a relatively dry day that should stay that way at least until the weekend. Justin Thomas was among those who came to Oakmont a few weeks ago to get in some serious study, knowing practice rounds can be the biggest grind because they take so long. Everyone is trying to figure out what to do from the rough, where to miss, how to avoid mistakes. Dustin Johnson played nine holes, his first time back at Oakmont since he won his first major nine years ago . He played the final seven holes not knowing if the USGA was going to penalize him for his golf ball moving on the fifth green. That's some serious mental toughness. There have been a few changes, including even fewer trees. 'The course is just as hard as I remember, if not harder,' Johnson said. The USGA likes to test every part of the game, and that includes the mental side of it. Jack Nicklaus, a four-time U.S. Open champion, said he used to listen to players complain in the days leading up to the Open and figure he could rule them out. 'I hope it psyches a lot of players out,' Thomas said. 'I understand this place is hard. I don't need to read articles, or I don't need to hear horror stories. I've played it. I know it's difficult. I also have faith that if I go play well and I'm driving the ball well and I'm hitting my irons like I know I can, I'm going to have a lot of birdie opportunities.' Thomas also mentioned the need to have a good attitude. The definition is different for each player. For him, it's being committed over every shot on every hole and accepting the outcome. 'I think once I start second-guessing myself or not trusting my instincts is kind of where I get myself in trouble,' Thomas said. 'Then when I do that, I naturally am pretty pissed off if it doesn't work out. It wasn't because of the shot, it was more from the lack of commitment. That's where it starts for me generally.' With Schauffele, it can be hard to tell when he loses his cool. And he's not a big believer that anyone throwing a club is costing himself shots. Tiger Woods, who won the U.S. Open three times, was among the best at putting any anger behind him before he settled over his next shot. 'I think I look pretty level-headed when I play, but internally I might be absolutely just thrashing myself,' Schauffele said. 'I think truly having a good attitude is just sort of accepting what happened and allowing yourself to be pretty much at zero to hit the next shot.' It's not just the U.S. Open where Schauffele has shown remarkable consistency. He rallied down the stretch at Quail Hollow to make the cut, and his cut streak is at 65 tournaments going into Oakmont. That's the longest streak since Woods made 142 cuts in a row that ended in 2005. He has game, clearly. And he has the right head for the U.S. Open. 'Part of my attitude thing is we're all playing the same course, and it's going to be hard,' he said. 'You may think something's unfair, but it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. Whoever can deal with it the best is going to play well. That's the attitude I've had — look at it as a fun challenge versus feeling like you're living in a nightmare.' ___ AP golf: