On June 13th, 2025, J.J. Spaun surprisingly led Round One of the 125th U.S. Open with a 4-under 66 at a punishing Oakmont, where many top players faltered and the course proved a severe test.
SPAUN'S OAKMONT MASTERY
- Marquee storyline: J.J. Spaun defied expectations, carding a bogey-free 4-under 66 by 'grinding' to lead the U.S. Open, his first major lead, embracing an "uncomfortable" mindset.
- Supporting stat or quote: "I'd rather be uncomfortable than comfortable," Spaun stated, attributing his success to a "nothing to lose" mentality and navigating social media hype.
- Human angle or fun fact: Spaun kickstarted his round with a crucial chip-in on his first hole (the 10th) and successfully navigated the infamous Church Pews on hole 4 despite initial unfamiliarity.
OAKMONT UNLEASHED: "HARDEST EVER?"
- Marquee storyline: Oakmont lived up to its fearsome reputation, with players universally describing it as an extreme test of golf, challenging their skill and sanity from the very first round.
- Supporting stat or quote: Scottie Scheffler called it "probably the hardest golf course... maybe ever," Bryson DeChambeau stated it "challenges your sanity," and Robert MacIntyre felt every shot was "on a knife edge."
- Human angle or fun fact: Jordan Spieth termed the demanding conditions "pure golf," echoing the sentiment of many who found the historic course relentlessly challenging.
STARS' STRUGGLES & SURVIVORS
- Marquee storyline: Favorites Scottie Scheffler (+3) & Bryson DeChambeau (+3) struggled. Jon Rahm (-1) stayed patient. Brooks Koepka, Si Woo Kim & Sungjae Im hit 2-under, with Koepka crediting a coaching "scolding."
- Supporting stat or quote: Si Woo Kim, despite his 2-under 68, confessed, "this course is too hard for me." DeChambeau had three three-putts and a rules drama on hole 4, saved from a penalty by an official.
- Human angle or fun fact: Koepka felt his game was "starting to click" after coach Pete Cowen "scolded me pretty well," while Scheffler admitted to making "silly mistakes."
ROUND ONE ROLLERCOASTER RIDES
- Marquee storyline: Patrick Reed recorded only the fourth albatross in U.S. Open history, holing a 3-wood from 287 yards, but then dramatically undid his heroics with a triple-bogey on his final hole.
- Supporting stat or quote: Reed on his day: "One hole doesn't mean jack... Right now, I'm more focused on the triple I made on the last."
- Human angle or fun fact: Maxwell Moldovan eagled his first U.S. Open hole from 191 yards ("he... let it go in"), while Tony Finau made a miraculous long par save on eighteen.
Quick Hits
Thriston Lawrence sits solo second (-3); Rory McIlroy & Phil Mickelson struggle (+4) • Adam Scott makes his 96th consecutive major start; Xander Schauffele offers a cautious "it's Thursday" on Spaun's lead • Oakmont is expected to get "firmer and faster"; Chase Johnson is the sole Black player in the field.
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