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Does He Play or Lead? Keegan Bradley and the Bethpage Dilemma

Fortunate is he who gets his affairs in order early. Take Ryder Cup Europe Ltd., for example. Captain Luke Donald now has a full 22-month term to prepare for the away match in the U.S. at the end of September—compared to just 14 months before Rome 2023, due to Henrik Stenson’s LIV Golf exit. That went pretty well nonetheless. Edoardo “The Brain” Molinari is back on board as vice-captain, bringing his statistical expertise to the table. Rory McIlroy, who’s famously on a quest for motivation and his personal Mount Everest, has crossed the career Grand Slam off his list—but winning the Ryder Cup on American soil remains high on his wish list, alongside lifting the Claret Jug at home. So far, so good for Team Europe.

Most consistent American behind Scheffler

Things look far less organized for the hosts. Apart from Scottie Scheffler, the stars and stripes are running a little flat—players like Schauffele and Morikawa have yet to hit full throttle. The most consistent performer behind the world number one? A certain Keegan Bradley: major champion, eight-time PGA Tour winner, a man with experience and plenty of electrifying energy. Based on current form, he’d be a lock for the U.S. team heading into the home match this September at the infamous Black Course in Bethpage State Park.

The only problem? Bradley has been tapped to serve as team captain. But his win at the Travelers Championship last Sunday has opened Pandora’s box. Ever since, a lively debate has erupted in the U.S. golf world: should there be a Ryder Cup comeback for the playing captain? Columns, podcasts, and social media are bursting with hot takes and opinions—a clear sign of the uncertainty facing Team USA. Despite the home advantage and the individual brilliance on paper, there’s growing doubt whether they can truly embrace the role of favorites at Bethpage Black.

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Keegan’s Conflict: He Just Wants to Play

The last time a playing captain led Team USA was in 1963, when none other than Arnold “The King” Palmer—aged 34—guided the Stars and Stripes to a dominant 23–9 victory over what was then a purely British side featuring Peter Alliss and Christy O’Connor Sr. That squad was captained by Scotsman John Fallon, and the venue was the Atlanta Athletic Club—known today as East Lake.
Now, over six decades later, the idea of a playing captain has resurfaced—and not without irony.

Keegan Bradley, by his own account, has always just wanted to play. After being snubbed by Zach Johnson for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, the 2011 PGA Champion sat at home in bitter disappointment, his bags packed and hopes dashed. The upside? He avoided a third Ryder Cup defeat, having already lost in 2012 and 2014. But the sting of rejection lingered—until the PGA of America unexpectedly tapped him as captain for the 2025 home match just outside New York. A surprising move, widely seen as a last-minute solution.

“We want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie.”

Originally, Tiger Woods was the frontrunner for the role. The PGA of America even brought in John Wood as team manager to ease the load. But the superstar hesitated—and eventually declined. Bradley wasn’t Plan B; he was a contingency pick. And the powers that be knew exactly how to sweeten the deal. “Keegan, we want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie,” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh reportedly told him over the phone. Bradley himself shared that anecdote during his Travelers Championship winner’s press conference.

“My whole life every year I was out here I wanted to play on the Ryder Cup team, and then this would be the first year where maybe I didn’t want to. I just wanted to be the captain and, of course, you know, this is what happens. But we’ll see. I’m going to do whatever I think is best for the team. Whether that’s me on the team — this certainly changes a lot of things. I was never going to play on the team unless I had won a tournament and so that’s changed, but we’ll see.” Keegan Bradley

The question of a dual role has been simmering ever since his appointment. After all, at 39, Bradley is the youngest U.S. captain since Palmer’s 1963 appearance. So far, Captain Keegan has consistently played it down, insisting he wouldn’t “waste a captain’s pick” on himself—and would only consider playing if he qualifies automatically.

“Carefully weigh what’s best for the team”

Bradley’s second Travelers win, following his 2023 triumph, has changed the game—and he admits it himself. Now ranked seventh in the world and ninth in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, he said: “This changes the story a little bit. I never would’ve considered playing if I hadn’t won. Now I have to very carefully weigh what’s best for the team.”

At this point, the decision seems rather straightforward: come the evening of September 25, Bradley should name himself to the Friday morning fourball session—right after delivering his opening speech. Since 2022, he’s racked up four PGA Tour wins, making him America’s number two behind Scottie Scheffler (with 12). None of the other top-12 in the Ryder Cup points standings come close to matching that form.

Scheffler, for all his brilliance, doesn’t carry the vocal, emotional leadership qualities often needed in the team room. That role might better suit someone like Bryson DeChambeau—or, perhaps more fittingly, Bradley himself, whose fire and spirit have long defined him.

At least two rookies, little depth

Then there’s the depth issue. As it stands, U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and Russell Henley (ranked third and fourth in Ryder Cup standings) are all but locked in, meaning two likely rookies will tee it up at Bethpage. The second half of the rankings is even more concerning, with names like Ben Griffin, Harris English, or Maverick McNealy currently in qualifying position.

Of course, much can change over the coming weeks. But if Team USA wants to counter Luke Donald’s blue-and-gold squad—led by Rory McIlroy and packed with gritty characters like Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Jon Rahm—then Bradley may need to look beyond the top 13 when it comes to his captain’s picks. Right now, that would mean players like Patrick Cantlay (14), Sam Burns (15), Cameron Young (17), or Tony Finau (19). But let’s be honest: there’s a reason they’re that far down the list.

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Unrealistic and Absurd: Woods as a Ceremonial Figurehead

With a bit of humor, the current situation could be labeled “Keegan’s Conflict.” But in reality, it’s a classic dilemma—one that naturally gives rise to a flood of creative solutions. One charming, albeit utterly unrealistic and borderline absurd scenario? That Bradley does all the heavy lifting in the lead-up to Bethpage, only to hand over the reins to Tiger Woods as a sort of chef de mission—someone who would soak up all the media attention while Bradley quietly focuses on pairings and tee times. It would be a slap in the face for Bradley—and let’s be honest, Woods isn’t going to settle for playing the ceremonial mascot.

A far more likely outcome is that the vice captains take on more responsibility. Veterans like Jim Furyk or Brandt Snedeker could handle public-facing duties and media obligations on-site, giving Bradley space to concentrate on strategy and team dynamics. After all, not all vice captain slots have been filled yet—who knows what cards Team USA still has up its sleeve, especially if Bradley does end up playing and needs someone to step in more prominently.
That said, Bradley has firmly ruled out any kind of abdication:
“I’m definitely staying on as captain. I’m not stepping down or anything like that. I’ve already put too much work into this.”

It’s about the 12 best players …

At the end of the day, the Ryder Cup entourage is large enough—and clearly defined. Most of the logistical and strategic groundwork happens long before the first tee shot. The captain’s job is to oversee, coordinate, and ultimately make the right calls. But his most important task by far? Choosing the twelve best players. Seen that way, the Keegan Bradley situation may already be decided.

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How much does it really cost to start at a major tournament?

Participating in a major tournament like the U.S. Open is considered a career milestone. But behind the scenes, many players face a less visible opponent: the cost. For many professionals, especially those outside the top 50 a major appearance is far from a financial guarantee.

To even make the U.S. Open field, numerous players must battle through two stages of qualifying. American pro James Nicholas documented his expenses for the 2025 edition on Instagram. His total outlay including qualifying fees, flights, accommodation, meals, and caddie fees amounted to $7,220. Although Nicholas made the cut and finished T61, earning just under $43,500, his net profit only came after all expenses were deducted – solid, but far from guaranteed.

James Nicholas: U.S. Open 2025 Income and Expenses

Category Amount (USD)
Prize Money (T61) 43,455
Local Qualifying Entry Fee 200
Travel to Local Qualifier 450
Final Qualifying Entry Fee 100
Flight to Final Qualifier 580
Hotel Final Qualifier 350
Flight to U.S. Open 505
Food on Site 325
Locker Room Tip 150
Merchandise 250
Caddie Base Fee 2,500
Caddie Bonus 3,500
Total Expenses 7,220
Net Profit 34,894

Caddie expenses often weigh most heavily. Many players agree to flat daily rates plus performance bonuses—typically around ten percent of the winnings. Living costs, such as rental cars, lodging, and meals, add up quickly if not covered by sponsors or the tournament itself. Missing the cut can easily result in thousands of dollars lost. Fortunately for Nicholas, making the cut in his first major meant a respectable net profit of about $35,000.

J.J. Spaun Wins the U.S. Open – But Faces Massive Taxes

With his victory at the 2025 U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun achieved a career-defining moment and claimed a winner’s check worth approximately $4.3 million. A phenomenal sporting and financial success, but one with hidden costs. According to “GolfWRX”, Spaun will owe about $1.7 million in federal and state taxes based on current U.S. tax codes. On top of that, his caddie, Mark Carens, is expected to receive a customary 10% share, roughly $430,000. That leaves Spaun with an estimated net payout of $2.58 million. Still a great return, but far less than the headline number.

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US Open 2025: Golf’s Richest Major Maintains Record Purse

Despite no increase to the overall prize fund, the US Open once again cements its status as the most lucrative of the four majors. The USGA confirmed that the 2025 edition at Oakmont carried a total purse of $21.5 million—matching last year’s figure, but still outpacing The Masters, The Open, and the PGA Championship.

With his dramatic victory sealed by a 20-meter birdie putt on the 72nd hole, JJ Spaun takes home a winner’s check of $4.3 million—equaling the sum Bryson DeChambeau earned for his triumph at Los Angeles Country Club in 2024.

While other majors have made incremental moves to boost their prize money, the US Open’s benchmark-setting purse continues to make it the financial pinnacle of major championship golf.

The Prize Money at the US Open 2025

Ranking Player Score Price Money
1 J.J. Spaun -1 $4,300,000
2 Robert MacIntyre +1 $2,322,000
3 Viktor Hovland +2 $1,459,284
T4 Cameron Young +3 $1,023,014
T4 Tyrrell Hatton +3 $1,023,014
T4 Carlos Ortiz +3 $1,023,014
T7 Jon Rahm +4 $681,131
T7 Scottie Scheffler +4 $681,131
T7 San Burns +4 $681,131
T10 Ben Griffin +5 $507,118
T10 Russell Henley +5 $507,118
T12 Xander Schauffele +6 $427,901
T12 Brooks Koepka +6 $427,901
T12 Chris Kirk +6 $427,901
T12 Christiaan Bezuidenhout +6 $427,901
T12 Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson +6 $427,901
T12 Thirston Lawrence +6 $427,901
T12 Adam Scott +6 $427,901
T19 Rory McIlroy +7 $267,054
T19 Ryan Fox +7 $267,054
T19 Victor Perez +7 $267,054
T19 Emiliano Grillo +7 $267,054
T23 Collin Morikawa +8 $204,515
T23 Patrick Reed +8 $204,515
T23 Jordan Spieth +8 $204,515
T23 Thomas Detry +8 $204,515
T23 Jason Day +8 $204,515
T23 Sam Stevens +8 $204,515
T23 Matt Wallace +8 $204,515
T23 Max Greyserman +8 $204,515
T23 Nick Taylor +8 $204,515
T23 Chris Gotterup +8 $204,515
T33 Tom Kim +9 $121,567
T33 Aaron Rai +9 $121,567
T33 J.T. Poston +9 $121,567
T33 Keegan Bradley +9 $121,567
37 Maverick McNealy +10 $101,379
T38 Taylor Pendrith +11 $96,991
T38 Tony Finau +11 $96,991
T38 Matt Fitzpatrick +11 $96,991
T38 Marc Leishman +11 $96,991
T42 Hideki Matsuyama +12 $79,436
T42 Andrew Novak +12 $79,436
T42 Si Woo Kim +12 $79,436
T42 Trevor Cone +12 $79,436
T46 Niklas Norgaard +13 $62,320
T46 Daniel Berger +13 $62,320
T46 Rasmus Hojgaard +13 $62,320
T46 Jhonattan Vegas +13 $62,320
T50 Ryan McCormick +14 $50,251
T50 Michael Kim +14 $50,251
T50 Adam Schenk +14 $50,251
T50 Mackenzie Hughes +14 $50,251
T50 Ryan Gerard +14 $50,251
T55 Justin Hastings +15 $46,081
T55 Laurie Canter +15 $46,081
T57 Sungjae Kim +16 $45,203
T57 Denny McCarthy +16 $45,203
T59 Harris English +18 $44,326
T59 Brian Harman +18 $44,326
T61 Jordan Smith +19 $43,448
T61 Johnny Keefer +19 $43,448
T61 James Nicholas +19 $43,448
T64 Cam Davis +22 $42,131
T64 Matthieu Pavon +22 $42,131
66 Philip Barbaree Jr. +24 $41,254
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US Open 2025: JJ Spaun Wins US Open with 20-Meter Putt

The final day of the US Open 2025 was filled with high drama. Oakmont showed its teeth, causing the leaders to stumble and bringing unexpected contenders back into play, like JJ Spaun. Although he started the final round in second place, he was five over par after just six holes, and most had already written him off. But then came a rain delay that changed everything.

JJ Spaun Wins US Open 2025 with Incredible Back Nine

After the weather delay, Spaun returned with a monster putt on hole 12, sinking a 12-meter birdie and turning his round around. He had another birdie chance on 13, missed it, but capitalized with a great approach on 14. While his competitors were struggling to create birdie opportunities, Spaun bounced back from a bogey and reached the 17th with an eagle chance – he had birdied the hole in every previous round. He didn’t make the five-meter eagle putt, but a birdie was enough to take sole possession of the lead ahead of Robert MacIntyre, who was already in the clubhouse. On 18, all Spaun needed to do was play it safe – get on the green and two-putt to avoid a Monday playoff. But Spaun didn’t want to win his first major title by playing it safe. He drained a 20-meter putt for birdie to claim his first major in spectacular fashion. JJ Spaun wins the US Open 2025 at one under par in just his second appearance at the tournament.

 
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“I thought it was a good thing having the delay,” the newly crowned champion said after the round. “It happened to me at the Players earlier this year where I was kind of struggling on the front nine. I had the lead going into Sunday, and we had a four-hour delay, I think. I ended up turning that round into a nice fight where I got myself into the playoff.”

He continued. “All I was thinking was – and even my whole team, my coach, my caddie, they were like, Oh, dude, this is exactly what we need. And it was. We went back out and capitalized on kind of — I changed my outfit. I’m like, I’m done wearing those clothes. I just needed to reset everything, kind of like start the whole routine over.”

Robert MacIntyre Finishes Second Despite Poor Start

Robert MacIntyre began the day seven shots off the lead, so the idea that he could win seemed far-fetched. “Obviously it didn’t get off to the best of starts,” he said.

“I was 2-over through 3 and then holed a lovely putt on 4, par-5 for eagle. That kind of settled me down. That got me into somewhat of a groove and back in the golf tournament.”

Then the back nine was just all about fighting. Obviously the rain delay. My previous rain delay comebacks haven’t been strong. Today was a day that I said to myself, Why not? Why not it be me today? When I was going round, and I just trusted myself, trusted my caddie Mike, trusted all the work that I’ve done, and we’re sitting here in the clubhouse nicely and just wait and see.”

He followed that up with a flawless back nine, carding two birdies to secure solo second place. And although you’d think the Scottish player would be used to this kind of weather, he says of himself that he’s “a fair-weather golfer now that I moved to the PGA Tour.”

While those two soared, Sam Burns and Adam Scott crashed. Between them, they shot a combined 17 over par on the final day, despite holding the lead early on.

Sam Burns in particular was a hot favorite at the start of the round, sitting at four under par. He lost three strokes on the front nine but still held the lead, even extending it to two shots with a birdie on 10. But then the momentum shifted, hard. A double bogey on 11 meant no player was under par anymore, and after a bogey on 12, Burns was tied with Adam Scott, opening the door for a dramatic showdown over the final nine holes. At that point, six players were within two shots, including Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland. Burns’ next double bogey on the 15th, after finding the bunker, effectively took him out of the title race.

Adam Scott fared no better after the rain delay. Following a bogey on 8, he played the back nine in six over par, including a double bogey on 16, where he struggled with the thick rough. Scott dropped to a tie for 12th, while Burns finished tied for 7th.

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Rory McIlroy at the US Open 2025: “I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do”

The third round of the US Open 2025 was disappointing for Rory McIlroy. With a round of 74, the Northern Irishman dropped back to tied 49th place. Although he faced the press after the round, his statements showed visible frustration, not only with his game, but also in his dealings with the media.

US Open 2025: A tired Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy was brief after his round on Saturday: He described his US Open in two words – “pretty average” – and when asked if he hadn’t hoped for more, he replied tersely “I was hoping to play better, but I didn’t.” To a certain extent, he puts this down to his Masters victory. After that he had run out of steam a little and was struggling with a lack of motivation. According to him, however, the new driver was responsible for this week’s performance.

He only just made the cut on Friday – thanks to a late birdie finish – but that didn’t seem to bother him much: “Yeah, it’s funny, like it’s much easier being on the cut line when you don’t really care if you’re here for the weekend or not.” However, he made it clear that he wasn’t enjoying the tournament: McIlroy said he was most looking forward to “hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here.”

Rory McIlroy distances himself from the press

McIlroy is also reserved in his dealings with the media. After his Masters victory, he frequently turned down press inquiries, including at the US Open. One of the reasons for this was a leaked driver test at the PGA Championship in which his club failed. McIlroy emphasized that this should have remained confidential. He explained that he was frustrated by the media landscape and did not feel obliged to give interviews. “ I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do”, he said.

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US Open 2025: Wyndham Clark destroys locker room after missing the cut

The Oakmont Country Club once again proves to be a merciless test at the 2025 US Open. Only a handful of players are managing to stay under par on the historic par-70 course – and defending champion Wyndham Clark is not among them. After two disappointing rounds of 74 (+8), the American missed the cut and was eliminated from the tournament on Friday.

According to a post by Tron Carter on X, Clark let his frustration boil over after the second round and damaged several lockers in the player area. Photos from inside the clubhouse show broken locker doors and torn panels, reportedly caused by kicks or punches. The USGA confirmed to U.S. media that the incident is under investigation. A fine or further sanctions are possible.

Clark faced heavy criticism on social media for his outburst. While frustration after an early major exit may be understandable, repeated misconduct on the big stage raises serious questions.

Wyndham Clark: US Open outburst not his first incident

Clark had already made headlines earlier this year during the 2025 PGA Championship. In the final round, he angrily hurled his driver into a sponsor board after a poor tee shot – all caught on live television.

Shortly afterward, Clark showed remorse and posted a public apology on Instagram, describing his behavior as “immature and disrespectful.”

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Tee Times for the 2025 US Open

The final day at Oakmont Country Club promises high tension – as the US Open 2025 enters the decisive round with a tight leaderboard. Sam Burns leads Adam Scott by one stroke and the duo will form the final flight on Sunday evening. Directly in front: J.J. Spaun and Viktor Hovland, both only just behind. Scottie Scheffler starts at 7:04 pm together with Nick Taylor, Rory McIlroy starts at 3:36 pm with Andrew Novak.

US Open 2025 – Round 4 Tee Times

Tee Teetime Player 1 Player 2
11:52 pm Cam Davis
12:03 pm Matthieu Pavon Jordan Smith
12:14 pm Hideki Matsuyama Harris English
12:25 pm Ryan McCormick Taylor Pendrith
12:36 pm Johnny Keefer Michael Kim
12:47 pm James Nicholas Brian Harman
12:58 pm Philip Barbaree Sungjae Im
13:14 pm Niklas Norgaard Denny McCarthy
13:25 pm Daniel Berger Tony Finau
13:36 pm Rory McIlroy Andrew Novak
13:47 pm Adam Schenk Mackenzie Hughes
13:58 pm Justin Hastings (a) Matt Fitzpatrick
14:09 pm Collin Morikawa Rasmus Højgaard
14:20 pm Ryan Fox Corey Conners
14:36 pm Patrick Reed Laurie Canter
14:47 pm Jon Rahm Tom Kim
14:58 pm Maverick McNealy Xander Schauffele
15:09 pm Si Woo Kim Jhonattan Vegas
15:20 pm Aaron Rai Trevor Cone
15:31 pm Jordan Spieth J.T. Poston
15:42 pm Brooks Koepka Thomas Detry
15:58 pm Jason Day Chris Kirk
16:09 pm Keegan Bradley Sam Stevens
16:20 pm Matt Wallace Ryan Gerard
16:31 pm Ben Griffin Victor Perez
16:42 pm Russell Henley Emiliano Grillo
16:53 pm Max Greyserman Christiaan Bezuidenhout
17:04 pm Nick Taylor Scottie Scheffler
17:20 pm Chris Gotterup Marc Leishman
17:31 pm Cameron Young Robert MacIntyre
17:42 pm Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen Thriston Lawrence
17:53 pm Tyrrell Hatton Carlos Ortiz
18:04 pm Viktor Hovland J.J. Spaun
18:15 pm Adam Scott Sam Burns
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US Open 2025: Rory McIlroy and the Rules of Golf for the Pros

At the US Open 2025, it’s not just the narrow fairways and lightning-fast greens that make the pros sweat and think—it’s also the ditches. Yes, ditches. Dry, rather unremarkable, and yet officially part of the course, they come into play on six holes. And they prove that knowing the rules is not just for officials. Rory McIlroy knew that well when, during the US Open 2025 at Oakmont, he sent his drive into one of the notorious ditches on the 9th hole. They may look harmless, but these ditches are considered red penalty areas.

Golf Rule Education at the US Open 2025: Rory Shows How It’s Done

The USGA and The R&A lay it out clearly in Rule 17.1: If your ball ends up in a red penalty area, you have options. Play it as it lies, take stroke-and-distance relief, drop back on the line, or take lateral relief. After his errant tee shot, McIlroy opted for what many amateurs often do—but few pros execute so coolly: lateral relief, thank you Rule 17.1d(3). Two club-lengths from the entry point into the penalty area, no closer to the hole, and one penalty stroke. Rule-compliant and smart, because in Oakmont, “playing it as it lies” often means: playing it where it really shouldn’t be. And just to round it out, the USGA provided a handy explainer video on X.

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Patrick Reed Makes History with Albatross at the US Open 2025

The 4th hole at Oakmont isn’t typically the scene of fireworks — unless your name is Patrick Reed. At the 2025 U.S. Open, the Texan reached for his fairway wood on the 621-yard par-5, unleashed a second shot from 286 yards, and found the bottom of the cup. Albatross.

The gallery erupted before Reed even knew what had happened — the shot was blind, the green out of sight. Only the roar of the crowd told him he’d just made a little piece of golf history.

US Open 2025: Albatrosses Are Rare – Especially at Oakmont

Oakmont Country Club is synonymous with punishment. It’s a course that doesn’t give — it takes. Sub-par rounds are minor miracles. And yet, amid the 2025 edition of the championship, one of the rarest shots in golf made its surprise appearance. Albatrosses — scoring three under par on a single hole — are golf’s equivalent of lightning strikes: incredibly rare, and nearly always unforgettable.

Reed’s shot marked only the fourth albatross in U.S. Open history. Before him, only T.C. Chen (1985), Shaun Micheel (2010), and Nick Watney (2012) had managed it. But none at Oakmont — the course that has hosted the U.S. Open more than any other in history.

By the time Reed reached the green, the ball had already vanished into the hole. It was a surreal moment: a searching player, a celebrating crowd, and the scoreboard confirming the impossible — a “2” on a par-5.

Turning Point in a Grinding Round

Before the 4th, Reed’s round had little spark. A bogey on the 2nd, a string of steady pars — then came the fireworks. The albatross catapulted him from +1 to -2 in a single stroke, an instant shift in momentum on a course where most players were struggling to break par. On average, Oakmont was playing more than five strokes over par, even under ideal conditions.

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US Open 2025: Disappointing Round for Bryson DeChambeau & Rory McIlroy

The first round of the US Open 2025 brought a sobering start for Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy began strongly with two birdies but was dragged down by four bogeys and a double bogey. DeChambeau struggled with a total of five bogeys. Both demonstrate how challenging the course is.

US Open 2025: Rory McIlroy’s strong start turns to disappointment

Rory McIlroy began his round at the US Open 2025 on the tenth hole and delivered an impressive opening. On the eleventh hole, he secured a well-earned birdie with a precise shot, followed by another strong moment on the twelfth, where he confidently sank the ball. These early successes raised hopes for a promising round. However, starting at the first hole, his momentum began to fade. A bogey on the first hole marked the initial setback, and he couldn’t avoid another bogey on the fourth. This trend continued with two more bogeys on the sixth and seventh holes. The low point came on the eighth hole, where he recorded a double bogey due to several poor chips. These mistakes dragged his overall score to +4, leaving him in a provisional tie for 62nd place at the end of his round.

Bryson DeChambeau battles the course

Bryson DeChambeau began his round at the US Open 2025 on the first hole and immediately faced a bogey on the par-four, setting a sobering tone. He secured a birdie on the third hole, but uncertainties persisted. Another birdie followed on the seventh, but it couldn’t solidify his momentum. The famous eighth hole, a 265-meter par-three, DeChambeau played to expectations with a par. On the twelfth hole, disaster struck: after two shots, he was behind the green on the 618 yard par-five and needed four more shots to hole out. His sixth shot was an eight-meter chip-in. Another bogey came on the thirteenth, followed by his fourth on the fourteenth. A fifth bogey on the eighteenth rounded out his opening. His score of +3 places him in a provisional tie for 49th.

Spaun surprises with lightning start

While big names like McIlroy, Scheffler, and DeChambeau are struggling, J.J. Spaun quietly climbs to the top of the leaderboard. The American gets off to a perfect start at the 2025 U.S. Open. No bogeys, four birdies – a round of 66 that almost feels surreal on this day. He’s also the only player in the early wave to remain bogey-free. Especially strong on Thursday: his short game. On the 10th, he chips in directly for birdie, and later he sinks multiple putts from beyond six feet. He shoots a 31 on his first nine holes – the best opening nine ever recorded at a U.S. Open held at Oakmont. And on the more difficult front nine, Spaun plays all holes at par – a rare balancing act on this course.

Spaun is benefitting from a short game tune-up he got just on Monday with a new coach. It seems to be paying off – he gains nearly four strokes on the field with his putting alone. The reward: the outright lead after round one.