The 125th U.S. Open Championship returns to the historic Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania this June, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher. With a world-class field, one of the most brutal setups in championship golf, and major storylines unfolding, this year’s U.S. Open is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Whether you’re prepping for a watch party or planning to sneak in a few streaming sessions between tee times, here’s everything you need to know heading into the 2025 U.S. Open.
The Venue: Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont is the quintessential U.S. Open course. It’s not just challenging - it’s relentless. Located just outside Pittsburgh, this century-old layout was designed to be a mental and physical test. It has hosted nine U.S. Opens before, with a tenth now adding to its legacy.
Expect:
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Par 70
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Over 7,400 yards
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Greens as fast as 14+ on the Stimpmeter
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Church Pews Bunkers that can swallow tee shots whole
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A 300-yard par 3 (the 8th hole) that’s already stirring debate among players
What makes Oakmont legendary isn’t just its raw difficulty - it’s the pressure it applies to every shot. The margin for error is razor-thin. Winners at Oakmont don't just play great golf - they survive.
Defending Champion: Bryson DeChambeau
After capturing his second U.S. Open title at Pinehurst in 2024, Bryson DeChambeau returns with confidence, swagger, and plenty of intrigue. His dramatic bunker shot on the 72nd hole sealed his one-shot victory last year and proved that his unorthodox style isn’t just noise - it’s results.
Bryson thrives on tough setups. His power gives him unique lines off the tee, but it’s his underrated wedge play and improved course management that make him a serious contender again in 2025.
Storylines to Watch
Can Oakmont Outlast the Field?
The U.S. Open is known for being the most grueling major, and Oakmont is its perfect host. Don’t be surprised if the winning score is around even par - or worse. Every mistake is magnified. The winner will be the one who stays composed when others spiral.
A Major With No Margin
There’s no “easing into” Oakmont. Players start under pressure and stay there. The early rounds could see some big names struggle just to make the cut. With the 8th hole playing as a 300-yard par 3, even a well-struck long iron might not be enough.
Three Players to Watch
1. Rory McIlroy
After finally capturing the 2025 Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy arrives at Oakmont riding high on confidence and momentum. The win at Augusta was a long time coming, and now that the major drought is over, the pressure has shifted - from breaking the streak to building a legacy.
Oakmont presents a very different challenge than Augusta. It’s tighter, meaner, and far less forgiving. But Rory’s shot-making ability, creativity around the greens, and recent mental fortitude make him a serious threat.
With the weight of history lifted from his shoulders, Rory could play freer than ever—and that might be exactly what he needs to conquer Oakmont.
2. Scottie Scheffler
Fresh off his victory at the 2025 PGA Championship, Scottie Scheffler continues to prove he’s the most reliable force in golf. Steady, surgical, and stoic, Scheffler’s game is built for major championship conditions - especially the kind of relentless challenge Oakmont delivers.
His iron play remains the gold standard, and his short game is elite. What separates Scottie is his ability to stay composed when the rest of the field starts unraveling. He rarely beats himself, and on a course like Oakmont, that’s half the battle.
If the putter shows up like it did at Valhalla, Scottie could very well make it back-to-back majors.
3. Bryson DeChambeau
The defending U.S. Open champion, Bryson DeChambeau enters Oakmont with a title to defend and a chip on his shoulder. His win at Pinehurst in 2024 showcased the full evolution of his game - still powerful and analytical, but now paired with emotion, swagger, and clutch execution.
Oakmont is a ball-striker’s gauntlet, and Bryson has the firepower to take it on. His distance off the tee gives him options most players don’t have, but it’s his improved wedge play and putting under pressure that make him truly dangerous.
With confidence riding high and a proven U.S. Open formula, Bryson isn’t just defending—he’s hunting another major.
How to Watch the 2025 U.S. Open
Here’s the full TV and streaming schedule so you don’t miss a single shot:
Thursday, June 12
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6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (USA Network)
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5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Peacock)
Friday, June 13
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6:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Peacock)
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1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (NBC + Peacock)
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7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Peacock)
Saturday, June 14
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (USA Network)
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12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (NBC + Peacock)
Sunday, June 15
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (USA Network)
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12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (NBC + Peacock)
You can also stream the action live through Peacock and the official U.S. Open website, which will feature bonus coverage like featured groups and holes.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. Open isn’t just a major - it’s a battle. And Oakmont isn’t just a course - it’s a crucible. As the game’s elite square off in golf’s ultimate pressure cooker, the 2025 U.S. Open promises to deliver all the grit, glory, and drama we’ve come to expect - and more.
